SOUTH MORANG, VIC. — The City of Whittlesea is continuing to push for urgent action on road safety risks across Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)-managed arterial roads, warning that known hazards are being left unresolved for far too long.
Whittlesea Council’s recent audit of State-managed roads identified more than 1,300 maintenance defects, including potholes, damaged guard rails, deteriorating road surfaces, obscured signage and overgrown vegetation.
Council is particularly concerned that some road safety defects have remained unresolved for more than two years despite being reported to DTP, reinforcing the urgent need for action before these hazards contribute to serious incidents.
Frustrated residents, who may not be aware of who is responsible for managing different areas of the municipality, report potholes that need to be repaired, roadsides that need to be maintained and damaged road safety infrastructure that needs to be fixed.
However, the council is unable to address any of these issues on DTP-managed roads and continues to wait for DTP to take action.
These road safety hazards, in particular damaged guard rails, trees and vegetation growing over and in front of safety barriers, continue to pose risks to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Council acknowledges that DTP have recently announced a blitz on road maintenance, prioritising the City of Whittlesea. Council looks forward to seeing the results of this blitz and will continue advocating strongly for improved maintenance standards and timely repairs on State-managed roads.
