Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Road Management Act 2004 - SECT 20

Principal object and management principles

20. Principal object and management principles



(1) The principal object of road management is to ensure that a safe and
efficient network of roads is provided primarily for travel and transport and
that road reserves are available for other appropriate uses.

(1A) In giving effect to the principal object of road management, the road
network is to be managed to reflect the priorities of different modes of
transport having regard to the intended function or functions of different
parts of the road network.

(1B) Subject to subsection (1C), priority is to be given to the following
modes of transport in respect of the specified roads for that mode of
transport-

   (a)  trams on specified tram roads;

   (b)  buses on specified bus roads;

   (c)  bicycles on specified bicycle roads;

   (d)  pedestrians on specified pedestrian roads;

   (e)  freight on specified freight roads;

   (f)  any other mode of transport on specified roads for that mode of
        transport.

(1C) Subsection (1B) has effect-

   (a)  without limiting the generality of subsection (1A); and

   (b)  to the extent that it is reasonably practicable having regard to the
        works and infrastructure management principles.

(2) The following principles apply in respect of the management of works and
infrastructure under this Act-

   (a)  the minimisation of road safety hazards;

   (b)  the avoidance or minimisation of damage or disruption to
        infrastructure on roads;

   (c)  the avoidance or minimisation of disruption to plans for the
        development of road infrastructure and non-road infrastructure;

   (d)  the avoidance or minimisation of disruption to traffic;

   (da) the priority of different modes of transport on specified roads;



   (e)  the avoidance or minimisation of disruption to the effective and
        efficient delivery of utility and public transport services;

   (f)  the efficient use of resources of road authorities and infrastructure
        managers and the minimisation of cost to the community of
        infrastructure and services.