By JESSE GRAHAM
PERMANENT roadside memorials for road trauma victims may be allowed under VicRoads’ new policy, after the organisation finalised its review earlier this month.
On Friday 11 September, VicRoads announced it was introducing its updated Roadside Memorial Policy, following a review that began in March.
Using an online ‘consultation hub’, residents around Victoria were invited to have their say about what they would like to see change – or stay the same – with roadside memorials.
VicRoads director of Network Policy and Standards Helen Linder said the wishes and needs of families involved in road trauma incidents were “a key consideration”.
“This policy ensures that we have the framework to support families who wish to place or maintain a memorial, while also being mindful of road safety and community views,” she said.
The new policy states that “where a roadside memorial aligns with all other policy principles and is not causing concern within a community, the memorial may remain”, and outlines a timeline for a “transitional approach”.
In the first two months, the memorial may have limited restrictions, while in the 2-15 month period, memorials may be modified or relocated, to be “discreet”.
After 15 months, the policy said, memorials might be transitioned to a long-term memorial outside of the road reserve, though VicRoads would consider plaques on a case-by-case basis.
Memorials, however, are not to be placed on traffic islands, median strips, roundabouts, close to intersections, traffic signals or curves, near the edge of road seals or on any road infrastructure, such as light poles or signs.
“Roadside memorials are to be located such that visitors are able to safely access the memorial, and be safe during their time there,” the policy reads.
“Safe parking locations are a key consideration.”
VicRoads recommends that memorial makers include contact details, in case the memorial needs to be altered or moved, such as a non-identifying email address or PO box.
Memorials are also to be made of materials and placed so that they would not be dangerous if involved in a crash, though crosses and “personalised” objects are permitted, as long as they fit VicRoads’ guidelines.
Flowers can be used in memorials, but VicRoads said it “discourages” plastic and other materials that may be dangerous to wildlife or become litter.
The policy states that, if a memorial has been erected by someone other than a family member and the family is opposed to the memorial, VicRoads will “endeavour” to contact the maker to remove the memorial, or place a Notice of Intent to remove the memorial, before taking it down.
Ms Linder said the new policy would only be used “where a conflict or a safety concern was raised”.
VicRoads said it would not remove current memorials under the new policy, meaning memorials in place around the Yarra Valley are expected to remain as they are – so long as they fit the guidelines.
The policy was officially approved by VicRoads executive director of Policy and Programs on 21 August, and is now in place.
Though 4467 people visited VicRoads consultation hub during the 29 March – 26 April consultation period, only 326 of these people contributed comments and 231 actively joined discussion forums.
The Mail contacted VicRoads, and asked whether photographs of road trauma victims would be allowed on memorials, which was an issue of contention in the consultation process.
In a response, received after Monday’s deadline, Ms Linder said VicRoads would not “dictate the placement or materials used in roadside memorials”.
“The decision to use or attach a photograph on a memorial is a personal one and we would leave this to the family to determine,” she said.
Ms Linder pointed out that personal items are allowed in the policy, as long as they do not pose a road safety hazard or maintenance issue.
To view the entire policy, visit VicRoad’s website.
What do you think of the new 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.
