SAFETY SCREENS INSTALLED TO PREVENT ROCK THROWING

Safety screens are being installed across the ACT to prevent rocks from being thrown at vehicles from overhead bridges, Chief Minister and Minister for Transport, Jon Stanhope, said today.

Mr Stanhope said the ACT Government was investing $2.4 million to install the screens at high-risk locations across the ACT.

Screens have now been installed on the Erindale Drive, Ginninderra Drive and Isabella Drive overpasses and vehicle bridges crossing Carruthers Street and Cotter Road.

The Government will install screens on another nine bridges over this term.

Mr Stanhope said the initiative was in response to reported incidents, both locally and interstate, of rock throwing at vehicles.

"Rock throwing at vehicles is not just a silly prank - it can cause serious damage and injury. The Government is taking responsible action now to prevent a serious incident in the future. I urge people to report any incidents to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," he said.

Mr Stanhope said the Government consulted with stakeholders such as ACTION, ACT policing and the National Capital Authority for a number of months before finalising the sites.

The sites were selected based on the type of road under the bridge, level of pedestrian access and whether the bridge was near a school, hotel or club.

Safety screens will be installed at the following locations over this term:

• Yamba Drive pedestrian bridge between Mawson and O'Malley;
• Kent Street vehicle/pedestrian bridge on Adelaide Avenue, Deakin/Yarralumla;
• Cotter Road vehicle bridge over Adelaide Avenue, Deakin/Yarralumla;
• Parkes Way pedestrian bridge between City and Acton (between Commonwealth Avenue and Marcus Clarke Street);
• Chandler St vehicle/pedestrian bridge over busway, Belconnen;
• Belconnen Way pedestrian bridge between Bruce and Aranda;
• Luxton Street twin vehicle/pedestrian bridges over Joynton Smith Drive, Belconnen;
• Edinburgh Avenue vehicle/pedestrian bridges over Parkes way, City/Acton; and
• Flynn Drive twin vehicle/pedestrian bridges over Forster Crescent, Yarralumla.
Media Contact:

John Schalch
62058500
0434 667 317
john.schalch@act.gov.au

Or

Jess Wurf
6205 0504
0411 772 700
jess.wurf@act.gov.au