THE Don't Rush: Home Town, Slow Down challenge is back on, and Great Lakes drivers have some pride to salvage after being narrowly defeated by Taree drivers in the inaugural event last year.
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The joint initiative of Great Lakes and Greater Taree City Councils runs for the month of May and encourages drivers to slow down and make an ongoing commitment to road safety.
A set location is monitored by council in both Taree and Forster Tuncurry and the number of speeding drivers is counted. Residents can also take an online pledge to stick to the speed limit.
"The sites chosen for the 2016 challenge are Kularoo Drive, Forster and Muldoon Street, Taree. These are both 50km/h speed zones and accommodate heavy residential and industrial traffic" said Greater Taree's road safety officer, Chris Dimarco.
"Last year Greater Taree residents had a narrow win - in both the number of pledges made online and also the biggest reduction in speeding drivers at their location."
Greater Taree residents made 189 pledges, and Great Lakes 164.
This year both councils are urging residents to take on the challenge and win the Home Town Slow Down challenge.
It's easy to participate:
o Visit council's website or facebook page and take the pledge - every pledge counts! The pledge encourages drivers to reduce speed, drive safely around schools, drive with courtesy and respect, don't drink drive, wear seat belts and look out for pedestrians, motor cyclists and cyclists. The pledge can be downloaded and printed for display at work or home.
o Ensure that you are sticking to the speed limit, especially when travelling along Muldoon Street, Taree, where a 50km/h zone exists. Council will monitor vehicle speeds on Muldoon Street and have an electronic message board on site to update statistics for both councils.
o Pick up your free key ring which is available for those that have taken the pledge. Key rings can be collected from all council offices and libraries.
"Making the pledge is easy. Maintaining the commitment shouldn't be a challenge but a habit. All road users should use common sense and courtesy.
I encourage Greater Taree drivers to make the effort and spend a few minutes of time to make the pledge. Drive safely on our streets and take the winner's trophy for the second yuear running," said Chris.
The challenge began on Monday, May 2, and pledges can be made at: http://www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/.
