Traffic and Transport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Traffic calming devices reduce the flow and speed of traffic at points along the road. These include blister islands and slow points, which alter the flow of traffic and require additional land as they are located on the verge. These devices take longer to install than other traffic calming devices as utilities on the verge must be assessed and considered.

Speed humps are used to force vehicles to slow down on roads. Traffic calming devices are used individually or together to create a solution.

There are significant cost differences between some options and this can influence what may be practical to install. It is not appropriate to install them in all situations and important to remember all roads are designed to accommodate a certain amount of traffic.
 

People request traffic calming devices because of concerns about the amount or speed of traffic in the area. The City has an adopted Traffic Management Warrant Model, through its Local Area Traffic Management Investigation policy, which is a point score system to guide the assessment and prioritisation of road management (traffic calming) treatments (if any). The purpose of the policy is to define an objective and transparent method to evaluate public requests. Use of this benchmark ensures City resources are channelled only into projects where there is a demonstrated need.

The model considers various factors such as speed, traffic volumes, crash data, road design and topography, vulnerable road users, etc. Based on the total point score, assessed sites are grouped into three decision criteria (major, minor, or low safety and amenity concerns). The findings stand for several years i.e. they are not repeated upon each new request.

Another important aspect is discussion with the broader community to define the issue of concern with your local road environment. In many areas, there may be quite opposing views as to whether there is an issue, and the preferred way to manage it, where needed. Requests may be lodged via [email protected]
 

Visit Who do I call for what? webpage
 

Requests to change speed limits are usually not supported. The Commissioner of Main Roads, Main Roads WA sets speed limits. If you send a request to the City, our Traffic and Transport team can assess the road and, if warranted, will contact Main Roads WA to request a slower speed.

Report any damaged or missing street name signs to the City via our online Reporting Form. Include the location and nature of the damage and, if possible photographs.

Contact Main Roads WA for other road signs, speed, directional signage or traffic light issues.

Noise from vehicles on private property, may in certain circumstances be subject to the WA Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.  If speaking to the property owner does not resolve matters, the issue can be reported to the City by completing a Public Health Complaint Form
 
Whilst traffic noise on public roads is exempt from the Regulations, the noise of individual vehicles on public roads that have been modified or not properly maintained may be reported to WA Police, as may noise from burnouts and hooning behaviour.
 

Main Roads WA is responsible for patrolling heavy vehicles on public roads and infringing them if they violate their permits. Call MRWA on 138 486.

The driver of a vehicle must report a traffic accident to the Police when the incident occurred on a road or any place commonly used by the public, and 

• the incident resulted in bodily harm to any person; or 
• the total value of property damaged to involved parties exceeds $3000; or 
• the owner or representative of any damaged property is not present.  

 You can make an online report to the WA Police if their attendance isn’t warranted. 
 
Main Roads WA will investigate the locations of fatal accidents on their roads to determine if the road environment played a part or if other factors contributed to the crash. The report is given to the City. 
 
The City is committed to the maintenance and improvement of its road network. However, due to budget constraints, works are carefully prioritised based on short, medium, and long-term needs to ensure the most effective allocation of resources.
 

The City works with State and Federal agencies to maintain and upgrade the road network in Cockburn. 

The City’s current and future road projects can be found on our website Road Projects - City of Cockburn - City of Cockburn.    

Road projects that the State Government is undertaking can be found under Major Road Projects - State Government - City of Cockburn      

Long term road closures can be found on the City’s website here Road Closures – Long Term - City of Cockburn . 

If someone has parked unsafely or they are blocking an access way, call the City's Rangers on 9411 3444. To find out more about parking rules and regulations in the City, visit the Parking and Parking Facilities Local Law 2007 page.

Street parking bays are for everyone and are occupied on a first-come basis. You need to move your car every 24 hours unless signage states otherwise, so you are not illegally parked.

The WA Police grant children's crossings via the Children's Crossings and Road Safety Committee. Applications can be made to the committee via the School Principal, President, Secretary or Chair of a recognised school or parent organisation, e.g. P&C or P&F. 

The City of Cockburn and Department of Transports Your Move Schools Program provides schools with online tools, resources, professional learning and tailored behaviour change advice to increase walking, cycling and public transport trips and reduce car trips to school. The program helps reduce local congestion and parking issues around schools. The Your Move website provides schools with an interactive platform to share activities and successes with other schools. 

You can make a request or enquire about a pedestrian crossing or path via the City’s online request system. The City’s Transport and Traffic Officers will assess using data from Main Roads WA and a site visit.

The City’s Explore Cockburn map allows you to find out and plot the best bicycle route to get to your chosen location in Cockburn. Find out where all the paths, trails, dedicated bike lanes and bike-friendly roads are in the City and choose what suits you. More information about getting around the City of Cockburn is available here. 

Submit a request via the City's Online Request form. 

Any person/party undertaking works within a road reserve that is under the care, control and management of the City of Cockburn that presents a risk to, or impacts on, road users is required to have approval to implement a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) from the City of Cockburn in accordance with the Main Roads WA Traffic Management for Works on Roads – Code of Practice. Your Project Manager (or similar experienced person hired on the managers behalf) will assess the risk of the proposed works and will conclude if a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is required for the Project.

The City’s website has a page dedicated to Traffic Management Plans that includes all the information required for submission of your Traffic Management Plan (TMP), associated fees and an online tool for ease of application submission