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School Zone Lights Should Not Be A Flash In The Pan Anymore


School Zone Lights Should Not Be A Flash In The Pan Anymore

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 28 January 2009

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin today called on the NSW Government to fast-track its school zone flashing lights program by taking on board suggestions from the community and road safety advocates.

"The NSW Government's roll-out of 100 flashing lights at school zones every year for the next four years is too slow," Ms Machin said.

"Only five per cent of NSW's 3,100 schools have flashing lights.

The RTA are not the only ones with expertise about road safety. If someone comes up with a good idea to make our school zones more safe more quickly, then the RTA should listen.

"Furthermore, the Government promised to put the money raised by school zone 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.

"Where is the money going?

"Thanks to the cooperation of local residents who had the signs erected on their private property, Balgowlah Primary School now has four sets of flashing lights advising drivers to "check speed" during school zone hours.

"It is incomprehensible why the RTA would not want to encourage this safety option - particularly if it's backed by local residents, schools and communities.

"The Minister for Roads should instruct the RTA to work with local communities that have come up with innovative cost effective school safety solutions - not stand in their way.

"When it comes to school zone safety it's a no-brainer - we need to get flashing lights into schools faster because they help keep children safe.

"The NRMA is calling on the RTA to consider low-cost safety options which could be implemented immediately."

NRMA research found that using fluorescent yellow-green for school zone signs as opposed to the standard yellow - could also aid in distinguishing school zone signs.

Ms Machin said it was a win for school safety when the new colour was included in Australian Standards for road signs.

"The NRMA lobbied hard for the inclusion of the unique fluorescent yellow-green colour and at just an additional cost of $10 per sign, it would be a small price to pay for safety," Ms Machin said.

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