School flashing lights delivered

The safety of children and parents has been increased at another 15 Queensland schools under the Newman Government’s flashing school lights program.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the $10 million school safety program is on track to roll out flashing school lights to 300 schools over four years.

“In October last year I announced there would be flashing lights for 15 schools before the 2013 school year commenced and we have delivered on this promise,” Mr Emerson said

“The next round of 33 schools will have their flashing lights rolled out in the coming months and covers areas within South East Queensland, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Gympie and Toowoomba.

“The signs are designed to remind parents and other drivers to slow down through school zones and drive to conditions or risk getting a hefty fine.”

More than 17,000 speeding fines were handed out in school zones last year – an increase of 40 per cent since 2010.

Mr Emerson said the decision to install flashing lights instead of Vehicle Activated Signs followed a study that showed it to be more reliable, as the signs were always visible.

“We have a lot of traffic around schools, with 508,000 students enrolled across Queensland for 2013 and term one now in full swing,” he said.

“New-to-school parents and students will now be getting into the swing of the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up so it’s paramount that safety needs remains a top priority at all times.

“Children are unpredictable and so it is important all drivers slow down when travelling through a school zone.

“Reducing your speed limit significantly reduces the distance it takes you to stop suddenly and can prevent crashes from occurring.”

[ENDS] 11 February 2013

Media contact: Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088

 The next round of 33 schools to receive flashing lights: