SCHOOL ZONE TECHNOLOGY PROTECTING MORE CHILDREN
State Plan Priority S7: Safer Roads
Tuesday 23rd September 2008
Minister for Roads Michael Daley today told Parliament the NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering its $46.5 million flashing lights program to improve road safety in school zones.
Flashing light technology and electronic alert systems have been installed in 61 schools so far this year, with 39 to go in 2008.
Mr Daley said the Government remains committed to rolling out the state-of-the art technology at 400 schools over four years.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids and our focus is on making travel to and from school as safe as possible.
"That's why we implemented the flashing lights program in January to get people to slow down in school zones.
"It's the first year in the four year program to install 400 new flashing light zones," he said.
Mr Daley said the program will be funded by revenue from speed cameras installed in school zones.
"The majority of motorists are doing the right thing, but it is vital we get the message across that there's no excuse for speeding, especially in a school zone.
"Flashing lights are reliable and highly visible and proven to be effective in reducing speeding motorists.
"A trial last year confirmed the technology helps slow motorists down by an average of seven kilometres an hour when they enter a school zone.
"We already have 226 school zones with flashing lights in NSW and in the last three months there have been 10 sets installed," he said.
Mr Daley said the Government is currently looking into the next round of schools to be part of the program, with a decision to be made in coming months.
"The RTA allocates flashing lights to areas where they are most needed based on traffic and pedestrian volumes, crash history and risk, speed limits and visibility.
"This ensures that the schools with the highest priority get flashing lights first," he said.
Mr Daley said a number of other measures are being looked at to improve road school safety including:
