Speed Awareness Monitors (SAMs) are now operational near Moolap Primary School and Highton’s Montpellier Primary School to reduce vehicle speeds and increase safety around school crossings.
We’re trialling the ‘Speed Awareness Monitors program – Drive Slow for SAM’ initiative along Moolap Station Road, Moolap and Mount Pleasant Road, Highton.
The SAMs are designed to reduce speed and change driver behaviour in high pedestrian areas. Previous trials at other councils have been successful with data indicating an average speed reduction of 8.1 km/h by those initially alerted of exceeding the speed limit.
The signage displays each vehicle’s speed and then either a green smiley face for those within the speed limit or a red sad face for those exceeding it. The emojis are also intended to engage young children so that they will encourage their parents and carers to slow down when driving in the area.
The emojis can be updated for seasonal holidays like Christmas and Easter or major events such as the AFL Grand Final. This variety helps prevent driver fatigue from seeing the same signs and serves as a continual reminder to drive safely.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Council introduced the new initiative to enhance school crossing safety.
By slowing down behind the wheel, we are making our school crossings safer for school children, families and school staff at Moolap Primary School and Montpellier Primary School.
Our new Speed Awareness Monitors will remind drivers that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, as we work towards our Vision Zero goal.
City Transport portfolio chair Councillor Ron Nelson
The Speed Awareness Monitors aim to protect our most vulnerable community members.
We are excited to trial these monitors which have had success in other municipalities and led to a drop in speed of 8.1 km/h by drivers exceeding the speed limit.
Council looks forward to seeing the results of a comprehensive project evaluation following the trial, which will gauge the effectiveness of this initiative at these locations.
Speed Awareness Monitors do not have number plate recognition. They only record how many vehicles pass the monitors and their speed, providing us with valuable data on general driver behaviour and effectiveness of the devices.
