$10 MILLION BOOST TO SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY

The Baird Government will boost its commitment to the safety of school children by installing another set of flashing lights outside at least 400 schools in NSW.
NSW Premier Mike Baird and Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the $5 million commitment would target schools with multiple entrances and was on top of the current rollout of flashing lights to every school in NSW by the end of 2015.
Mr Baird added that a further $5 million would also be spent on vital school zone safety infrastructure such as raised zebra crossings, safe drop off zones, pedestrian refuges and better signage.

“Roads and young children can be a dangerous mix – by making school zones as safe as possible we reduce the risk of a tragedy,” Mr Baird said.
“Flashing lights are the most effective tool we have to slow motorists down around schools and I’m proud we’re on target to meet our commitment to deliver flashing lights to every school in NSW by the end of this year.
“We can always do more – which is why we are increasing safety around schools with multiple entrances.”

Mr Gay said the government would deliver additional flashing lights at schools the Centre for Road Safety determined had the greatest need, based on an independent risk assessment.

“As a Roads Minister, I believe nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” Mr Gay said.

“The risk assessment will identify key aspects such as traffic volumes including truck movements, pedestrian volumes and crash history and will be vital in identifying schools that require more flashing lights.

“We know a vehicle that hits a pedestrian at 50km/h is twice as likely to cause a fatality as the same vehicle travelling at 40km/h, which is why school zone speed limits are so important.

“This $10 million package will make our children more visible, make drivers more aware of school zones and provide children with a safe environment to walk to and from school.”