Speed sign trial along Swan River

BOATS travelling along the Swan River will be encouraged to slow down after an on-water speed radar trial was announced this week.

The on-water radar speed sign will be placed along the Swan River in East Fremantle.

The sign will display a vessel’s speed as the skipper approaches, prompting them to slow down.

In the past five years 25 lives were lost as a result of recreational boating accidents.

A Department of Transport spokeswoman said in the last 12 months there have been 11 reported incidents between the Fremantle Traffic Bridge and Chidley Point.

“Of these, four incidents involved vessels being damaged while penned or moored in the area,” she said.

“In 2017-18 there were eight reported incidents and in 2016-17 four incidents.”

Transport minister Rita Saffioti said she believed it was a great initiative.

“The trial is a positive way to address the problem and empowers skippers to be responsible on the water,” she said.

“The safety of all water users in this part of the waterway will be greatly enhanced because skippers travelling through the area will be better informed about their speed.

“The results of the trial using this new technology could lead to duplication of the initiative in other known speeding hotspots on the river.”

Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley said it was important for everyone to feel safe on the water.

“Many locals in Bicton use that beautiful stretch of water – be they skippers, passengers, kayakers or swimmers,” she said.

“With the Easter weekend coming up and many locals out on the water, it’s a great time for the trial.”