Kristian Horvath - Community Advocate

Safe streets for kids campaign draft

Context:

Speeding and hooning have been ongoing concerns raised by the local community (see survey results and meeting with council summary), particularly along Provence Drive, where children and pedestrians often share the road due to the lack of footpaths. Residents have been calling for safer conditions, and while Council has been contacted and is now exploring lower-cost measures to address these issues (stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks), the community is invited to take part in a local initiative that raises awareness and promotes safer streets.

Purpose:
To embed a culture of safety and care on the roads in our community by encouraging local residents to take collective action for reducing speeding and hooning. This is in response to the issues identified in Carlton, particularly around Provence Dr. 

Theory of Change:
If residents visibly express their desire for safer streets, especially with a view to make the streets safer for kids, it will influence community attitudes and behaviours. When people see that their neighbours value safety and care, they’re more likely to slow down, drive responsibly, and contribute to a safer, more family-friendly neighbourhood. This also will prompt a community discussion on what we can do to ensure our streets are safer for everyone. 

Actions: 

1. Residents paint signs (using backs of coreflutes) with “safe streets for kids” with colour paints and stick it on their fence. Residents are encouraged to decorate them and have their kids paint it. Encourage broad participation from residents in Carlton, Dodges Ferry, Lewisham, and nearby areas affected by local road safety concerns. They can also add labels of the speed limit (e.g. 50km/hr for Provence Dr) to indicate the speed limit. 

2. We will hold a signing painting day at my Carlton end of year picnic and free BBQ at snake hollow park on Sunday Nov 16. We will provide coreflutes and paint. 

3. Hold an event on the street to celebrate safe streets including a free BBQ and games for the kids (location and timing TBC)