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Government Listens To NRMA On School Safety


Government Listens To NRMA On School Safety

Author: NRMA Motoring & ServicesDate: 26 May 2009

The NSW Government's announcement that 10,000 NSW school zones will have 'dragon's teeth' paint markings is one of several measures which will make it safer for children going to and from school.

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said she had written to the Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, in March asking the Government to apply a range of measures around schools - in addition to flashing lights - to improve the visibility of school zones.

"'Dragon's teeth' were among a list of suggestions the NRMA put to the Minister two months ago, so it's good news that the Government is listening to motorists' concerns and acting quickly to make school zones safer," Ms Machin said.

Other measures identified by NRMA included high-visibility fluorescent 40km/hr signs, 'zig-zag' lines which are used in the United Kingdom and the possibility of using yellow dividing lines instead of white lines for the length of the school zone.

"All of these simple visual reminders help motorists to remember when they are driving through a school zone to slow down to 40km/hr," Ms Machin said.

"Flashing lights are the most visible reminder available. Close to 10 per cent of NSW 3,100 schools now have flashing lights and 100 sets per year are scheduled for installation over the next four years.

"However, the NRMA has concerns about the rate flashing lights are being rolled out and where promised funds are being channeled.

"The Government has previously promised to put the money raised by school zone speed cameras back into school safety.

"These cameras generated more than $45 million in 2007 alone, but the Government has only committed $46.5 million over four years to flashing lights.

"The NRMA has asked the Government to establish a collaborative School Safety Taskforce along with other key stakeholders like the Parents & Citizens Association to develop and trial improved safety measures around schools."

Contact: Daniel Stanton 0439 133 092

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