Liberals to put pause on wire rope barriers

State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has announced the mass rollout of wire rope barriers will be suspended if a Liberal Nationals Coalition Government is elected this November.

“A Liberal Nationals Government will suspend Daniel Andrews’ botched rollout of Wire Rope Barriers and undertake a review of the process,” Ms McLeish said.

The review will include consultation with key stakeholders such as the CFA and RACV to determine a common sense approach to the placement and extent of future Wire Rope Barriers implementation.

“We are concerned that the latest round of wire rope barriers are being installed in the wrong places and without proper planning and making some roads more dangerous instead of safer,” Ms McLeish said.

Last week Ms McLeish called on the Andrews Labor Government to immediately suspend the roll-out of wire rope barriers following complaints from motorists and emergency services volunteers.

Some of the specific concerns about the latest installations include:

•  Impeding access and manoeuvrability for emergency services;

•  Compromising motorcycle safety if a rider connects with the barrier;

•  Wire Roper Barriers installed too close to the side of the road that inhibit drivers pulling over safely due to a flat tire or a breakdown; and

•  Considerable vegetation growth under the barrier rope which pose a significant fire risk and maintenance issues.

“The government’s rollout of these barriers are affecting motorists on roads across country Victoria. In many instances the barriers are placed in locations that do not allow cars to safely pull off the road or block access for CFA volunteers to fight fires,” Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish concluded saying “I urge the government to halt, review and evaluate the rollout of the wire rope barrier project to ensure the safety of all motorists. If Daniel Andrews won’t do that, then the Liberals will.”