Toilets, parking, wi-fi and a sign to improve road safety in Pingelly

Almost $118,000 of Federal funding will go towards improving toilets, parking and public wi-fi in the Shire of Pingelly to improve road safety.

With 61 deaths on regional WA roads in 2019 and fatigue known to increase the risk of crashing, consistent breaks are important to stay safe on the roads.

The Driver Reviver Program is a Federal Government initiative that aims to upgrade local government infrastructure to encourage drivers to stop more often.

After applying for the grant in February, Shire of Pingelly secured $117,950 of funding last month.

The funding would be used to improve facilities like toilets, parking and wi-fi but also to set up a sign on Great Southern Highway to encourage motorists to stop.

“That’s about, one, using that sign to promote a safe message about driving and, two, promote what’s happening in town, Shire of Pingelly acting chief executive Paul Sheedy said.

“If there’s something happening in the town, you put on the message board ‘this is what’s happening’ and again it’s about ‘let’s stop for an hour and have a break and visit’.”

Mr Sheedy said that the investment would improve safety and traffic around Pingelly with work expected to begin by the end of September.

“Local businesses like the cafes would benefit with the people just stopping for an hour and just spending some money in the town,” he said.