24 November 2014

Butler school crossing increases safety for local students

Peter Katsambanis MLC, Member for North Metropolitan Region, recently visited the new school crossing on Connolly Drive in Butler that now helps protect students who attend three popular local schools.

At the beginning of the school year, parents from Brighton Catholic Primary School, Irene McCormack Catholic College and the newly established and the rapidly-growing Butler College had become increasingly concerned at the danger posed to children and parents crossing the busy road on the way to and from school.

“I first visited this intersection earlier this year after local parents had contacted me expressing their concerns.” Mr Katsambanis said.

“When I witnessed the volume of traffic and the number of students trying to cross the busy road it became very apparent to me that a school crossing with a dedicated attendant was an urgent priority for the roundabout at Connolly Drive and McCormack Boulevard.

“I immediately contacted Main Roads and the office of the Minister for Police to make sure that were fully aware of the risks and to commence the process to make the area safer for students and parents.

“The three school communities worked co-operatively to expedite the matter with the local City of Wanneroo and the various State Government agencies responsible for approving the crossing, installing the necessary posts and signs and, most importantly, providing a dedicated crossing attendant.

“Parents and staff of these three schools are to be congratulated for taking the initiative to get quick and decisive action on an important safety issue. I was only too happy to support the local community in its endeavours to make this crossing a reality.

“This attended school crossing vastly improves the safety of the many local students and parents who have to navigate this busy and rapidly growing area every school day.” Mr Katsambanis concluded.

For more information on how to apply for an attended crossing at your school, please get in touch with my office.