Police remind road users of responsibilities in shared zones

ACT Policing protecting vulnerable road users in November

ACT Policing would like to remind road users of their responsibilities in shared zones – pedestrian-friendly areas where vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians share the roadway.

As part of the 2018-2019 Road Safety Calendar, ACT Policing will target vulnerable road users throughout March, with a focus on shared zones.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Acting Station Sergeant David Wills said it was important for road users to know the road rules when travelling in shared zones.

“The most important thing to remember when travelling in a shared zone is that motorists must give way to pedestrians,” Acting Station Sergeant Wills said.

“Shared zones are signposted, and will often have a different look and feel to a normal road environment.

“While all road users should be mindful of one another, it is especially important for people operating a vehicle to be aware of vulnerable road users in these areas.

“I would also like to remind road users that slow speed limits of 10 to 20 km/h apply in shared zones across the ACT.”

Some other features of shared zones in the ACT may include:

  • no formal pedestrian crossings;
  • raised entry points at each end of the shared zone to show a changed traffic environment;
  • additional kerb ramps to improve access for people with mobility impairment, as well as pedestrians and cyclists;
  • road pavement raised to footpath level at intersections.

This campaign forms part of the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 which prioritises a Vision Zero approach to road safety.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au

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