Road safety message to feature on Victoria state number plates

Date: 10/9/2012

A state in Australia is moving from a tourism slogan printed on the bottom of its official number plates to one promoting road safety.

The previous message printed on plates in Victoria was 'The Place To Be', but now the line will read 'Victoria – Stay Alert Stay Alive'.

Ted Baillieu, the Victorian Premier, unveiled the new design for the number plates, which are designed to reduce the numbers of people injured or killed on the state's roads.

In 2011 there were 287 deaths on Victoria's roads, as well as 5,000 incidences which left drivers and passengers with serious injuries.

The slogan came as a result of an initiative which was launched entitled 'Name a Plate for your State' where citizens of Victoria were invited to submit suggestions.

Thousands of people sent in suggestions, many of which were based around road safety issues such as drink driving, speeding, texting and road respect for other drivers.

Mr Baillieu said: "We want to make sure that we keep road safety front and centre for every Victorian. What better place to reinforce road safety messages to motorists than on number plates."

It was then up to the community to decide and it was thought that 'Stay Alert Stay Alive' was the most effective way of expressing the message.

Roads have many different features which can potentially cause hazards if proper attention is not given to them and it is also important that drivers are aware of other vehicles and pedestrians also using the road.

Mr Baillieu said: "The message will act as a constant reminder to motorists about the need to remain focused and drive safely on our roads."

It is thought that the new plates will start to be brought in near the beginning of 2013 when the current letter and number combination comes to an end.

Previous slogans which have featured on Victoria's plates over the years include 'On The Move' and 'The Garden State'.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News