Speed Renamed Today

18 Feb 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 18th February 2011

The Victorian Mallee township of Speed will be officially renamed SpeedKills today.

At 11.30am the town's new signs will be unveiled in a ceremony attended by locals who featured in the campaign, Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner for Road and Regional Policing, Kieran Walshe and representatives from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Up to 200 campaign supporters from the surrounding district are also expected to attend.

Following the official renaming ceremony, the 'SpeedKills' signs will be installed at the north and south ends of town for one month.

Local farmer, Phil Down, will also be renamed tomorrow after he agreed to change his name to Phil 'Slow' Down for one month.

The name-change brings to life the Rename Speed road safety campaign which has gained more than 32,000 supporters online as well as extensive media coverage from local, national and international sources.

The campaign, which aims to reduce rural road trauma and increase awareness of the dangers associated with speeding, was launched on 14 January. 

Initially it involved the people of Speed, via their television commercial, calling for 10,000 people to visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/speedkills and show their support by clicking on the 'like' symbol.

That target was reached within 24 hours and within one week 20,000 'likes' had been recorded.

The current total stands at 32, 264.

At today's ceremony the TAC will donate $20,000 to the Speed Lions Club to express their gratitude for the town's involvement in and commitment to the campaign.

For more information contact the TAC's Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262.