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City of Wanneroo blesses roads to highlight road safety ahead of Easter

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

THE City of Wanneroo highlighted the importance of road safety at a pre-Easter ceremony on Monday.

At the ‘Blessing of the roads’ on April 3, Mayor Tracey Roberts said the City was committed to creating safer roads in light of last year’s road toll, which saw 195 people die on roads across WA.

“Blessing of the Roads is a timely reminder to take care, with Easter being one of the busiest times on our roads,” she said.

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“With 20 new residents moving into the City of Wanneroo each day, we have more people and therefore more cars, motorbikes and cyclists on our roads.

“The City works hard to keep our roads as safe as possible, whether that be creating new roads or maintaining existing ones.

“We have more than 1700km of roads within our municipality and this financial year we are investing a total of $48.3 million into our road and pathway network.

“Unfortunately speed, alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt and fatigue are leading factors in the majority of road deaths.

“We all need to take responsibility for road safety and also be aware of the cyclists in our community.”

Tribute was paid to WA Police and Fire and Emergency Service crews at the ceremony, while local school children placed crosses in the ground to pay respect to the victims of road fatalities.

WA Police chaplain Joe Newbold performed the blessing at the Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive intersection.

Motorcycle Riders Association of WA president Dave Wright and Road Safety Commissioner Kim Papalia also spoke at the ceremony.

The City awarded its Human Spirit Awards, acknowledging dedicated individuals and groups that contribute to road safety each day.

Traffic wardens Dave Vance and Jacky Fisher received awards for ensuring the safety of children at Merriwa Primary School.

The Wanneroo Roadwise Working Group received an award for its volunteer work, providing tea and coffee stops on long weekends with the Driver Reviver van and free caravan and trailer safety checks twice a year.

The Driver Reviver van will be on Indian Ocean Drive, about 1km north of the City’s boundary with the Shire of Gingin on Easter Monday, April 17, as well as on WA Day on June 5 and Queens Birthday on September 25.