By JESSE GRAHAM
ROADSIDE memorial policies could be changed to ban photographs of road trauma victims under a review by VicRoads, and residents are being invited to have their say.
VicRoads announced earlier this year that it was reviewing its roadside memorial policy, which has been in place for the last 15 years.
Using an online ‘consultation hub’, VicRoads opened forums with prompts and questions about what people would like to see change – or stay the same – in policies about roadside memorials.
In a recently released paper, VicRoads outlined the result of the first round of consultation and the proposed changes to the memorial policies.
Under the suggested new policy, photos will not be permitted on memorials, “as they may be distressing to the broader community”.
Offensive symbols and language, weapons and objects which may offend, such as beer cans, would not be allowed on memorials, and memorials will have to be located at least three metres from the edge of any road seal.
Memorials will also not be allowed on traffic islands, attached to road infrastructure, such as light-posts or barriers, on roundabouts and should not include reflective materials, lighting, and should not pose a threat if crashed into.
Flowers, under the suggested policy, would be allowed as a temporary memorial, as long as they are not wrapped in plastic or materials that may cause litter or harm to wildlife.
Meanwhile, crosses will be allowed, if they are constructed from timber, neutral in colour and not be longer than 850mm long – 600mm out of the ground – or wider than 400mm.
Plaques will be acceptable, but must not be attached to road infrastructure or utility poles, and should not be larger than 200mm by 200mm.
The paper also lists a ‘transitional timeframe principle’, where memorials may be established with limited restrictions in the short-term, but will be made ‘discreet’ over time, and after 13 months may be relocated or removed.
The measures were formulated by a working group, which included representative of some councils, Road Trauma Support Services Victoria, Road Trauma Families Victoria, Victoria Police, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Monash University Accident Research Centre and VicRoads.
The group was also informed by VicRoads’ online consultation hub, which had 4467 visitors during the 29 March – 26 April consultation period.
However, of those visitors, 326 contributed comments, and 231 actively joined the discussion forums on memorials.
The participants were split down the middle on whether memorials should have a consistent design, with half stating that memorials should be “unique and personal to support people grieving”, and the other half wanting consistent appearance to reduce driver distraction or upsetting those linked to the victims.
Some of the participants suggested non-religious standard markers, such as those used in South Australia.
A VicRoads survey of 178 people found 63 per cent of respondents were in favour of roadside memorials to remember loved ones, and that 61 per cent said memorials encouraged safer driving.
However, 54 per cent said that memorials could be distracting for drivers and 53 per cent supported a consistent look for memorials.
The Mail contacted VicRoads with questions about the proposed changes, including whether public comments would shape or change some of the proposals.
A spokesperson said the paper proposed guidelines and principles for further feedback.
“It is not a final policy position,” the spokesperson said.
The full paper is available at consult.vicroads.vic.gov.au/roadside-memorial, and residents are still able to comment on the paper and its proposals.
After the latest consultation stage, the new Roadside Memorial Policy will be submitted to VicRoads’ senior leaders for approval – if approved, the new policy will be in place in the second half of the year.
What do you think of the proposed changes to the Roadside Memorials Policy? Do you, or someone you know, maintain a memorial for a loved one? Write a letter to the editor at editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au or 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.
