7 May 2014

Local school zones light up for safety

Peter with Dean Nalder, staff and students at Clarkson Community High School's new 40km/h flashing LED lights

Peter Katsambanis, Liberal Member for North Metropolitan Region, today visited Clarkson Community High School and Somerly Primary School to inspect newly installed flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs with Dean Nalder MLA, Minister for Transport.

“During the election campaign in 2013, 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.

“From today, Clarkson Community High School and Somerly Primary School have operating flashing electronic 40km/h speed signs. This 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.

Tomorrow, Butler Primary School will be the next school in a wider program to install flashing speed signs at 39 Perth metropolitan schools and 27 country schools during 2013/2014.

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

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.

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.

“Please make sure you obey these signs and speed restrictions at all times to ensure the safety of our students and their parents.” Mr Katsambanis concluded.

Peter with Dean Nalder, staff and students at Somerly Primary School's new 40km/h flashing LED lights