Kangaroo warning for motorists

Published on 25 July 2018

The City of Swan is reminding drivers to beware of the risk posed by kangaroos.

In the first six months of 2018, the City collected 165 dead kangaroos involved in collisions with vehicles.

The City of Swan is in discussions with Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) about installing additional wildlife warning signs on roads throughout the City.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas urged motorists to take care when driving, particularly at night.

“Safety will always be a key priority for the City of Swan,” said Mayor Lucas.

“Kangaroos pose a significant threat to driver safety and drivers must exercise caution, especially at night.

“Speed is a major consideration and drivers should apply a common sense approach, particularly in rural areas where there are large kangaroo populations.”

Increasing awareness and reminding drivers to exercise extra caution is one of the measures available to local authorities in helping to reduce the collision risk.

MRWA is the authorising body for the installation of traffic signs. Data from the City’s Waste Services and Police crash reports will help determine locations requiring additional signage, warning drivers of increased kangaroo activity.

Whiteman Ward Councillor Adam Kovalevs is pleased that the City is addressing the issue and reminded drivers to remain vigilant.

“The risk to motorists posed by kangaroos is ever present,” said Councillor Kovalevs.

“The City is working with MRWA to manage this risk and motorists must play their part in driving with care for their own safety.”