Page 602 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 9 March 2011
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moved to bring the ACT requirements for the gaining of a licence to ride a motorcycle into line with those that currently apply in New South Wales. They are more onerous; they are more onerous conditions. We believe that the imposition of the new training requirement, irrespective of the standard exhibited by an applicant, is a prudent move having regard to the disproportionate, on a pro rata basis, number of motorcyclists that have in recent years been killed or seriously injured in road accidents within the ACT.
To answer Ms Le Couteur’s question, we have not moved to impose additional requirements on the drivers of other vehicles in the same way as we have on motorcycle riders—we have not done that. I believe that at this stage the steps we have taken in relation to motorcyclists are reasonable, are appropriate, bring us into line with New South Wales and reflect quite simply the significantly high proportionate rate most particularly of deaths but also of serious injury of motorcyclists. I do not have the numbers directly to hand but motorcyclists are significantly disproportionately represented in the statistics of those that die on our roads.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Le Couteur?
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, have you reviewed the compulsory vulnerable road user training laws from countries such as Holland, which has one of the best road safety records in the world?
MR STANHOPE: Thank you, Ms Le Couteur. I cannot say with any certainty that we have, Ms Le Couteur. But, as you are aware, we have over the last 18 months been closely engaged in a detailed revision of road safety within the ACT. It has involved a very detailed analysis of best practice as we pursue the development and the dissemination of a new road safety strategy, a new five-year plan. We have been developing that through detailed consultation and through a review of best practice. It may be, Ms Le Couteur, that officers within TAMS that are developing the new road safety plan have had regard to international best practice.
I will have to take advice on the extent of international experience and practice. But I have to say that I would hope that we have spread our wings broadly. There has at least been a paper review of practice in other places. Indeed, we are basing our new five-year plan on vision zero, a philosophy in relation to road safety which has emanated most particularly from Sweden but which has been adopted throughout Scandinavia and, indeed, western Europe. It may be that we indeed have regard to it. I will take that part of the question on notice, Ms Le Couteur, discover the answer for myself and provide it to you.
MS BRESNAN: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: Minister, how will you make the ACT a national leader in minimising urban hazards, such as roadside barriers and street furniture, for motorcycle riders and other vulnerable road users?
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