The safety of students and their families around Gordon East Public School will be given a welcome boost with the installation of extra school zone flashing lights. The new lights will be installed as part of a state-wide roll out of extra flashing lights at 104 schools zones.
In August last year the NSW Government announced a $5 million program to install extra flashing lights at 400 NSW schools. The program, which will be completed in July, is running on time and under budget allowing for installation of the extra lights at the extra school zones.
Jonathan O’Dea, the Member for Davidson said the program is part of the Government’s $10 million boost to school zone safety which includes $5 million for the additional lights, and $5 million for pedestrian safety infrastructure, such as raised zebra crossings around schools.
“There’s nothing more important than making sure our kids are safe, especially when they are making their way to and from school,” Mr O’Dea said.
“These new lights will help us achieve this by reminding drivers to slow down and be mindful there are children around.”
In 2013 the NSW Government announced the expansion of the school zone flashing lights program to ensure every school in NSW had at least one a set of flashing lights. The program has now been completed with more than 1700 schools across the state receiving a set of flashing lights by the end of 2015.
Tougher penalties for drivers also apply in 40km/h school zones. Offences such as speeding, double parking and illegal U-turns attract a higher fine and additional demerit points when committed in a school zone.
“Children are some of our most vulnerable road users. That’s why we’re doing everything possible to keep them safe on our roads and near our schools,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
