Council
27 October, 2021
Esk adopts 50 in my streets campaign
ESK Police and Somerset Regional Council have joined forces on a new campaign to encourage drivers to slow down to 50km/h in suburban streets.
Sergeant Karlene Trezise, Officer in Charge of the Esk Police Station said the wheelie bin speed signage road safety initiative ’50 in my street’, is a result of a partnership with the Queensland Police Service, Somerset Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with an aim to reduce speeds and potential crashes during times when we know motorists and the community are out and about.
The road safety initiative trial will commence by placing engineer designed wheelie bin speed adhesive signs on all the business wheelie bins in Ipswich Street, Esk.
The wheelie bin signs will read a clear message ’50 in my street’ to remind motorists of the speed limit through Esk CBD.
"We predict on bin collection days, the results should stand for themselves in assisting awareness of the speed limit to reduce speeds," Sgt Tresize said.
"The trial will be monitored, evaluated and assessed for the impact and effectiveness in reducing speeds in the Esk CBD."
Sergeant Trezise said speed is a life endangering offence and a contributing factor in a large percentage of lives lost on Queensland roads.
"Speeds just 5km/h over the speed limit in urban areas and 10km/h in rural areas are enough to double the risk of a crash.
"Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The key focus area when driving should be the fatal five of Speed, distraction, fatigue, seatbelts and drink and drug driving.” Councillor Sean Choat, Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee representative, said motorists through Esk should soon notice the bright yellow “50 in my street” signs on bin collection days, which can only help in calming traffic through the town.
“The Brisbane Valley Highway is dangerous enough already without motorists speeding through Esk," Cr Choat said.
To assist property owners, Queensland Police and Somerset Councillors will be out and about placing the stickers on wheelie bins over the coming weeks.
