Local Roads
The Road Management Act 2004 clarified the roles and responsibilities
for roadspace, and local governments are the designated responsible
authority for the entire road reservation for local roads and the
roadsides (including parking) of state-managed arterial roads in
built up areas.
As the responsible authority for local roads, local governments
are empowered to act to
- design, construct, maintain and manage the local road network,
- undertake traffic management through roadworks, lane marking
and signage,
- allocate and control kerbside use for parking including taxi
ranks, bus stops and loading zones for both local and arterial
roads within built up areas
Local governments can influence use of the network through the
planning scheme, and via planning permits may require developments
to regard appropriate access to the local road network and off-street
parking. In addition, local governments can influence the road network
within new developments via subdivision approvals. Legislation provides
an opportunity to identify a connection between a proposed development
and local infrastructure requirements which could be fulfilled with
a developer contribution.
These activities are conducted by local government personnel within
regulations, guidelines and funding criteria established by VicRoads,
with some leeway for local conditions as judged by local expertise.
Likewise the relationship between land use and road management,
as expressed through planning permits, is controlled through the
State Planning Policy Frameworks and Rescode, and the municipal
planning scheme allows expression of particular local interest.
Local governments therefore have significant powers to influence
how road space is used and have the opportunity to encourage greater
use of sustainable transport on local roads. This activity is already
evident through local area traffic management (LATM) work whereby
local governments identify the amenity, safety and accessibility
needs of all users of a locality within the municipality and seek
to broker acceptable traffic management solutions. However these
are often car directed and may not consider all modes in design
options.
Local government personnel are resourced in this work by documentation
setting standards for design and practice. Australian Standards
and Austroads Guide to Engineering Practice provide national guidance
for road design solutions, supported by VicRoads publications in
the form of Road Design Guidelines, Traffic Engineering Manuals
and Standard Specifications.
Local governments are also required to approve road design (movement
networks) in new residential developments and it has been noted
that the often popular curvilinear street layout is not conducive
to pedestrians or cyclists who prefer the direct routes of more
permeable grid patterns. Likewise buses can offer a better level
of service on less circuitous routes. While every situation is different,
local governments can require layout patterns that favour direct
connections by non motorised modes. Local governments can also take
an active role planning bus routes and bus stops in the early stages
of subdivision planning to ensure feasibility and connectivity.
As a result of the new Road Management Act local governments have
been advised to determine their own appropriate road management
plans and standards as a liability protection. This provides a means
to establish management practices for local roads to promote sustainable
transport and discourage or diminish the use of private vehicles.
The Act directs road authorities to manage roads for efficiency
and safety. Using a triple bottom line definition of efficiency
will enable road management plans to direct activity towards promoting
the more sustainable transport modes in road management practice
Local governments, as the responsible road authority for local
roads, can do much to further the development of sustainable transport
in their localities. More detailed information and links for the
information on this page can be found in the libraries:
What local governments
can do
Local governments can find themselves extending their role in
transport when acting in community best interest. Additional activities
may not be expensive and can provide a real local benefit.
Institutions and agencies
A summary of the roles of federal, state and other agencies
Available tools and resources
There are a number of useful resources to help local governments
Learn from others
Look at work done elsewhere to get ideas for your area.
|
