Rural Road Safety Month Reminder
As August marks Rural Road Safety Month, Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents to take a few minutes to check their vehicles, trailers, and everyday parking habits to make sure they are road compliant.
A quick sense check around the garage, at home, at work, and in other places residents regularly visit can help prevent fines, reduce avoidable hazards, and make local streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
Residents are encouraged to start with their vehicles. Check that registration is current and that any trailer is properly registered and displaying the correct number plate.
While 6 x 4 trailers do not require separate registration, they must display a number plate matching the vehicle towing them. A trailer without a matching plate, or displaying the wrong plate, may be considered unregistered and subject to a juicy fine.
Council is also reminding drivers of several common parking requirements. Loading zones are reserved for commercial vehicles and should not be used by regular drivers, including for short stops. Keeping these spaces clear supports local businesses and allows delivery vehicles to operate safely and efficiently.
Parking on nature strips is not permitted, and drivers should ensure their vehicle is facing the correct direction of travel when parked on a road. Parking against the direction of traffic is illegal and can create unnecessary risks for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Drivers should also look carefully for yellow edge lines. These do not require accompanying signs and are commonly installed where parking could create a hazard, including near blind spots or areas with limited sight lines.
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison said Rural Road Safety Month was a timely opportunity for residents to consider the role they can play in creating safer local streets. “Small checks can make a real difference,” Dr Harrison said. “Taking a few moments to sense check your vehicle and parking habits can prevent avoidable risks and help ensure our roads and streets work well for the whole community.”
“Parking restrictions are not in place to make life difficult. They exist because particular locations need to remain clear, whether that is for delivery vehicles, emergency access, visibility at an intersection, or the safe movement of people through our streets.”
These rules apply across Victoria and are enforced by both Victoria Police and Council’s Local Laws team. Council encourages residents to familiarise themselves with the road rules and take practical steps to ensure their vehicles and parking practices meet legal requirements.
