BRUMBY GOVERNMENT PROVIDES ROAD SAFETY BOOST FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS
Christine Campbell, MP, Member for Pascoe Vale, today announced that school students will enjoy improved road safety with new electronic speed signs outside four local schools being switched on last week.
Ms Campbell said the signs would improve motorists’ awareness of reduced school speed limits during busy student drop-off and pick-up times.
“Protecting the lives of children and pedestrians in and around our schools is a key priority for the Brumby Government and school speed zones play a big role in helping us achieve this,” Ms Campbell said.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve road safety around our schools and this initiative will make it clear to motorists when a school speed limit of 40km/h is in place.
“Since we introduced school speed zones we have seen a 27 per cent reduction in casualty crashes around schools.”
Four of our local schools are amongst the more than 250 schools across Victoria to receive electronic speed signs through a $13.6 million investment to improve safety in high risk school zones. They are:
- Glenvale School-Glenroy PS, Glenroy Rd
- Pascoe Vale PS, Cumberland Rd and Gaffney St
- Coburg PS, Urquhart St
- Coburg Special Developmental School, Gaffney St
Ms Campbell reminded motorists to be vigilant around school speed zones and obey the limits, which are legally enforceable.
“Slowing down around our schools does not add much time to your travel but it can save the life of a child or spare them from life long serious injuries,” Ms Campbell said.
“Research shows that reducing speed is a key factor in both avoiding crashes and reducing their severity. Even a small reduction in travelling speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving a collision.”
Ms Campbell said the new electronic signs are being installed at school speed zones on roads with a speed limit of 70km/h and the school zones on 60km/h roads that have the highest traffic volumes.
“Signs have already been installed at all schools on roads which are 80km/h or higher, and this current round of funding is extending the program,” Ms Campbell said.
“VicRoads is monitoring school speed zones and working closely with schools, police and other stakeholders to address road safety issues around schools and make on road improvements where needed.”