The loss of a young friend, an only child, in a small-town road accident has devastated our community. A vibrant life ended abruptly, his school friends grief-stricken and his parents’ lives shattered forever. More than merely a personal loss, it represents a tragic epidemic involving thousands of similar stories. Between Jan 2000 and Aug 2024, in Victoria alone, 11,462 pedestrian incidents resulted in hospital stays of 14 days or less, and 4,447 incidents had victims hospitalized for longer. The majority 12,840 occurred in Melbourne, with 2,730 in rural Victoria (TAC).

This tragedy propels us to demand action. We refer to the recent successful road safety intervention in Wales, where introducing a 20mph (32kph) speed limit in built-up areas witnessed a remarkable decrease in road accidents. It led to 100 fewer fatalities or severe injuries in the first year and a 28% reduction in the number of people hurt, hailed as "the most successful road safety intervention in modern times" (BBC Wales).

We, thus, urge our town officials and suburban leaders to implement a similar 30kmh (approximately 20mph) in built-up areas to reduce accidents, fatalities, and injuries. Don't let more parents lose their children, more children lose their friends, more lives be forever ruined. Act now to save tomorrow. Sign the petition.