Flashing 40km/h signs to protect schoolchildren in Butler, Clarkson and Somerly

28 November 2013

Peter Katsambanis, Liberal Member for North Metropolitan Region, today welcomed the State Government’s announcement to install flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs at Butler Primary School, Clarkson Community High School and Somerly Primary School.

“During the election campaign earlier this year, the Liberal Party made a commitment to ensure all Western Australian schools will be protected by flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs by 2017,” Mr Katsambanis said.

“Today’s announcement that Butler Primary School, Clarkson Community High School and Somerly Primary School will have flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs installed is another step towards meeting this commitment, and I commend the Liberal-led Government for prioritising the safety of our children.

“These new flashing lights cost around $40,000 to install at each school.  But they are invaluable in providing greater safety for schoolchildren and their parents and carers on their way to and from school each day.

“There is no doubt these flashing signs remove any confusion for motorists that they are in a 40km/h speed zone and must slow down,” Mr Katsambanis said.

The three local schools in Butler, Clarkson and Somerly are part of a wider program to install flashing speed signs at 39 Perth metropolitan schools and 27 country schools, announced by Transport Minister Troy Buswell.

The State Government has committed $36m to ensure all 1,072 school zones in WA will be covered with these lights (632 in the metropolitan area – 438 in the regions) over the next four years.

“A total of $2.5million is being spent this financial year to further roll out this very important community safety program,” Mr Katsambanis said.

Funding has come from the WA Road Trauma Trust Fund, which derives its money from the proceeds of red light and speed camera collections.

Most State school zones operate between 7.30am and 9am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on school days.