City of Willoughby Road Safety Plan

Have your say on the draft City of Willoughby Road Safety Plan (RSP).

Background

Creating a culture of road safety requires a collective effort from all road users. The draft City of Willoughby Road Safety Plan (RSP) underscores the Council’s commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone traveling within the local government area (LGA).

As our community grows and evolves, the challenges faced by road users have become more complex. Vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and older adults remain disproportionately represented in crash data, underscoring the need to prioritise their safety. This is further compounded by emerging trends, including the increasing prevalence of micro-mobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as the needs of an ageing population.

What you told us (in previous Community Consultation)

In late 2022, Council engaged a diverse group of stakeholders through multiple channels, including the “Have Your Say” platform, stakeholder meetings, and direct email outreach to key individuals and organisations. The consultation process was designed to provide comprehensive information and gather valuable input, featuring resources such as a project factsheet, a road safety survey, an overview of the project lifecycle, key milestones, FAQs, and contact details for Council’s Road Safety Plan (RSP) team.

The feedback collected during this consultation has played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the RSP, ensuring it aligns with community needs and priorities. Stakeholder responses highlighted five critical road safety themes, ranked in order of response frequency:

1. Traffic Infrastructure – Enhancing roads, crossings, and intersections for safer travel.
2. Traffic Calming – Implementing traffic engineering measures and solutions to reduce vehicle speeds and improve neighbourhood safety.
3. Active and Public Transport Safety – Prioritising the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.
4. Education – Raising awareness and fostering responsible behaviours among all road users.
5. Enforcement – Strengthening compliance with road safety regulations to deter unsafe practices.

Strategic Alignment

The RSP will serve as a strategic framework to guide road safety initiatives in our area. Central to the RSP is the Safe System approach, which emphasizes the importance of safer roads, appropriate speeds, safer vehicles, and responsible road users. This holistic approach aims to reduce road trauma and create a safer environment for everyone, regardless of their mode of transport.

Furthermore, the RSP forms an integral part of the broader Willoughby Integrated Transport Strategy 2036, ensuring alignment between road safety efforts and other transportation priorities in the LGA. In alignment with the Integrated Transport Strategy and the Community Strategic Plan 2032, the RSP will help foster a cohesive, efficient, integrated and sustainable transport network that benefits all road users and contributes to the overall vision of a safer, more accessible Willoughby.

Focus Areas and Goals

The RSP outlines targeted initiatives designed to address these challenges and enhance safety for all. From infrastructure upgrades and education campaigns to enforcement and innovative programs, the plan aims to create a safer, more inclusive travel environment.

Through these efforts, Council aspires to position the Willoughby LGA as a leader in road safety, fostering a community where all road users feel secure and supported.

1. Leadership and Best Practice Goal: Take the lead in establishing best practices on road safety issues within Council
2. Safer Streets and Speeds Goal: Provide safer street environments for all road users including safer speeds
3. Safer Active and Public Transport Goal: Increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users
4. Community Engagement, Education and Awareness Goal: Engage with the community to increase road safety knowledge and responsible behaviour
5. Advocacy and Collaboration Goal: Be an advocate for road safety and collaborate with state agencies, other LGAs and businesses.

Have Your Say

You can have your say and provide your feedback by:

Online feedback: complete the submission form below

Email: email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Post: Write to Willoughby City Council, PO Box 57, Chatswood 2067, marked 'Draft City of Willoughby Road Safety Plan submission'

Or Community drop-in sessions, come and talk with staff about this project at the corner of Spring Street and Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (during the markets):

• 10am-1pm Thursday 27 February 2025
• 10am-1pm Thursday 20 March 2025

Submissions close Monday 31 March 2025

Thank you in advance for improving road safety outcomes within Willoughby.