As thousands of students return for Term 3 this week, their journey is being made safer with more than 1230 school zones state-wide benefitting from flashing signs.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Flashing School Zone Sign program was vital in ensuring safer travel for students.
“These signs are part of our Targeted Road Safety Programs – helping to keep our roads safer for all,” Mr Bailey said.
“Students are our most vulnerable road users given so many walk or ride a bicycle or scooter to school and their safety is paramount.
“Speed is one of the biggest killers on our roads – one of the Fatal Five – so it’s critical that drivers slow down around schools.
“The flashing signs act as a visual reminder for motorists to slow down to 40km/h during the signed times and be on the lookout for students and their families.
“We’ve installed over 889 flashing school zone signs across the state at public and private primary and secondary schools since 2015 and that number is only getting higher.
“Over the past 12 months alone we’ve seen 89 high-risk school zones treated with flashing signs installed, with another 11 in the pipeline, at an investment of almost $1.9 million.
“We are continuing to fund the installation of flashing school zone signs in another 100 risk-assessed sites this financial year and their locations will be released shortly.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said the safety of school zones was continuously being improved.
“This budget, the Palaszczuk Government allocated a further $40 million to improve the infrastructure around Queensland schools through the School Transport Infrastructure Program,” Ms Grace said.
“Already we are seeing applications flow through from school communities, parents, and local groups with ideas on how to make their school zone safer.
“Whether it’s a new stop, drop and go areas, bus or car turnaround spaces, pedestrian crossings or signage among other safety treatments, we’re open to suggestions on what your school needs.
“These applications are then assessed by the technical experts and prioritised for funding, so I encourage schools or their representatives to submit an idea if they have any road safety concerns.”
Ms Grace said more School Crossing Supervisors would be hired over the next three years.
“Our commitment to safer school zones will also see 83 new crossing supervisors brought onboard over the next three years,” she said.
“These people play an important role in keeping Queensland kids safe and teach our young ones the importance of safely crossing the road.
“The 22-23 budget is great for our Education sector, and all those involved in giving Queensland kids the best start in life.”
Mr Bailey also reminded drivers about the increased penalties which came into effect on 1 July.
“In line with our tough stance on road safety, we have increased some traffic offence penalties,” he said.
“This includes the offences of speeding and not wearing your seatbelt, which have increased across the board.
“Obeying the speed limit, especially in school zones, is the best thing you can do for those around you, your back pocket and your driving record.
“As always on our roads, avoid the Fatal Five: drink and drug driving, distracted driving, driving without proper use of a seatbelt, driving fatigued, and speeding.
“Buckle up and put the phone away. It’s that simple.”
