A Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) device aims to manage traffic safety, whilst improving the road environment for pedestrians and cyclists through slowing vehicular speeds along a roadway.

Traffic management devices can include kerb extensions, lane narrowing, slow points, bus cushions, raised safety platforms and flat top road humps.

The installation of LATM devices support efficient travel on roads, manage the environmental impact of road traffic and improve the liveability and amenity for the community.

LATM devices are typically proposed to be installed on roads where there is problem with traffic speeds or where there is a history of road crashes. These devices are typically a road design change, designed to improve driver behaviour, reduce traffic speeds, and minimise the risk of serious or fatal crashes.

Council has a responsibility to respond to crash history and ensure the continuity of community safety for all road users, pedestrians, and neighbouring residents.

Various state regulations outline Council’s responsibilities to maintain and improve the local road network, including the following.

Road Safety Act (1986)

Outlines Council’s responsibility to provide for safe, efficient, and equitable road use. The Act also sets out the general obligations of road users in relation to responsible road use.

Local Government Act (2020)

Outlines Council’s powers and responsibility to construct, maintain and manage roads including traffic and parking.

Road Safety Regulations (1999)

Outlines Council’s authority as a responsible road authority to implement and undertake certain traffic management on local roads, and what authority is needed from the Department of Transport as the state coordinating authority.

Road Management Act (2004)

Outlines Council’s responsibility as a road authority to manage and maintain the municipalroad network and any part of an arterial road not used by through traffic excluding freeways. The Act outlines that roads are to be managed in a manner which minimises any adverse effect on the safe and efficient operation of the road and on the environment.

Cardinia Shire Council rollout of LATM treatments is also outlined and support by several key Council policies and plan such as:

Road Safety Strategy 2016-2025

The Road Safety Strategy has a high emphasis on the following priorities which are targeted through LATM treatments.

• Safety for young families, including children aged 0-12 years of age and their parents / carers.
• Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Note: people in wheelchairs or motorised mobility devices are considered pedestrians.
• Safe roads, roadsides, paths, and vehicles.

Through the consistent implementation of LATM treatments in targeted areas, a safer transport network can be provided for all users, further promoting a transport mode split shift from private vehicle use to the use of active travel modes.

Cardinia Pedestrian & Bicycle Strategy

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy outlines Council’s direction on the provision of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure within the municipality. The installation of suitable LATM devices should be provided in locations where the pedestrian/bicycle network intersect with the local road network. As such, LTM devices should create a safer road environment through reducing speeds to encourage more people to utilise the footpaths and bicycle paths provided.

Liveability Plan 2017-2029

One of the main focusses in the Liveability Plan is to promote active travel throughout the shire, improving its viability as a transport option to a variety of user groups. One step in achieving this is to improve the safety of the active travel network, which can be achieved through the strategic implementation of LTM devices. This allows for vulnerable user groups to access key social infrastructure in a safer environment, providing links to schools and shopping centres as well as recreational facilities.

Council Plan 2021-2025

One of the focus areas of the Cardinia Shire Council Plan is ‘Liveable Places’.This focus area supports the creation of liveable spaces and places by advocating to,

• Plan for and deliver accessible community infrastructure and services that address community need.
• Plan and maintain safe, inclusive, and connected open spaces, places, and active travel routes.

• Plan for housing diversity that meets community need, is affordable and delivers environmental sustainability, safety, and healthy living outcomes.
• Advocate for increased and more-connected public transport options.
• Upgrade Council’s Road network to improve safety and connectivity while considering traffic demand and freight transport needs.

When concerns relating to speeding are raised by the community, Council reviews these locations and adds them to a priority list, ranking each location based on factors including:

• the proportion of speeding traffic on the road,
• accident history,
• traffic volumes, and
• the land uses of adjacent developments.

These rankings then inform Council’s decision to upgrade and install LATM devices along an existing stretch of road.

The following factors are considered for Council to decide to install LATM devices along an existing road:

• Must have a relatively straight section(s) (approx.) 200m or longer.
• Be in an urban (built up area) residential environment.
• Be in a low-speed zone environment (equal to or less than 60km/h speed zone).
• Be a sealed road.
• Have a potential suitable treatment than can be constructed/provided in the existing road environment.

The proposed traffic management devices for Eagle Drive, Pakenham are detailed in the attached plan and will include:

• 3 sets of asphalt speed humps
• Modifications to existing roundabouts to assist with further reducing vehicle speed when travelling through the roundabout
• Improvements to the road alignment on approach to one the roundabouts, to assist in the reduction of vehicle speed on approach to the roundabout.
• Lighting around the new local area traffic management devices

To support this proposal, Council has reviewed the local traffic management devices and street lighting in the area and considered advice from road safety experts and available space to underground services in accordance with Austroads and VicRoads guidelines.

Eagle Drive is ranked within the top 5 locations on the priority list, with the following characteristics contributing to the locations high rankings;

• High proportion of speeding traffic
• Significant crash history
• Feedback from stakeholders

There have been 3 reported crashes in a 5-year period based on data provided by the Department of Transport and Planning, which includes 2 other injury and 1 serious injury crash. This dataset includes all crashes which have been reported to Victoria Police, so it may not include some minor incidents which often go unreported. In comparison to other roads managed by council, this crash rate is considered quite high.

However, after reviewing and investigating Eagle Drive, the 85^th% speed along this road was recorded at 58.5km/h, meaning more than 85% of traffic are travelling at speeds in excess of the posted speed limit.

In comparison to other roads managed by council, this crash rate is considered quite high.

The default, standard speed limit along a major collector road in a built-up environment is 50 km/h, which applies to Eagle Drive.

However, after reviewing and investigating Eagle Drive, the 85^th% speed along this road was recorded at 58.5km/h, meaning more than 85% of traffic are travelling at speeds in excess of the posted speed limit.

Proper spacing between devices is essential for effectively managing vehicle speeds and ensuring safety. Regular intervals are necessary to control speeds across all street segments. Adequate spacing helps maintain manageable vehicle speeds, and sight lines have been carefully considered in the placement of these devices. Additionally, the locations of existing devices have been taken into account to ensure optimal placement.