road safety

A Redspot is a location on the road network that makes motorists ‘see red’. It could be an intersection, a section of road, a railway crossing or a bus or tram stop where congestion is experienced. You might be driving a car or truck, riding a bike or motorbike, or catching public transport. Redspots cause delays and frustration to all road users.

The Redspot Survey was developed by RACV in 1991 to get feedback from the public about areas on the road network that need improvement. Since that time the survey has grown and is now run every two years by RACV in partnership with Leader Community Newspapers. The RACV / Leader Redspot Survey provides RACV Members and the public with an opportunity to improve our road and public transport networks by nominating congested road locations and public transport services. Many millions of dollars have been spent to improve Redspot locations.

Once the nominations are collated and analysed, RACV transport engineers conduct site inspections at each of the top 10 locations. They then assess what improvements may be possible to reduce congestion. The results of the survey are then discussed with VicRoads, local Councils and the Department of Transport to take action on the frustrating locations nominated.

2008 redspot survey results

Over 6400 nominations for more than 2500 congested sites were received in just seven weeks for the Redspot Survey. These figures are not surprising given that 40% of respondents reported that congestion makes them see ‘red’.

Over one-third of respondents report choosing alternative routes such as local streets to avoid congestion and 30% are less patient when they drive. One-quarter of respondents report leaving earlier or later to avoid congestion and almost one-fifth reported that they have reduced their trips to only make those that are necessary.

The 10 most nominated locations for 2008 are:

1. Springvale Rd/Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
2. Thompson Rd/Western Port Hwy, Skye
3. Murrumbeena Rd/Neerim Rd, Murrumbeena
4. Sunbury Rd/Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd, Bulla
5. Burke Rd between Monash Fwy and Malvern Rd, Glen Iris
6. Chandler Hwy between Princes St and Heidelberg Rd, Alphington/Kew
7. Furlong Rd/St Albans Rd, St Albans
8. Glenroy Rd between Pascoe Vale Rd and Wheatsheaf Rd, Glenroy
9. Reserve Rd and Park Rd/Tulip St, Cheltenham
10. Blackburn Rd between Chapel St and Central Rd, Blackburn

• Find out detailed information about each of the Redspots including the problems and RACV’s analysis.
• For information on Redspots in your local area visit Leader Community Newspapers website.

previous redspot surveys

• Find out about the 2006 Redspot Survey Results.
• Find out about the 2004 Redspot Survey Results.