Wyndham City is calling on the community to abide by road rules around schools to help keep kids safe after an increase of reported incidents since the start of the year.
The busiest times for schools are between 8am-9:30am and 2:30-4pm, and people using the road are asked to observe parking and stop signs, 40km/h school speed zones, and to drive with care and without distraction.
Wyndham City has also had a spike in reports of cars ignoring School Crossing Supervisors and the stop sign. There have been reports of drivers going through a crossing even with Supervisors and children already on the road.
Wyndham City Mayor and Community Safety portfolio holder, Cr Susan McIntyre said: “Not only is this dangerous behaviour but School Crossing Supervisors have also reported an increase in being verbally abused for just doing their jobs. That is unacceptable.”
“We cannot let the need to save a few seconds on the road be at the cost of the safety of our kids.”
“It is also alarming to hear of the rise of verbal abuse towards our School Crossing Supervisors who are simply doing their job and trying to get children across busy roads safely.”
“Children and teenagers on their way to and from school need to know that it will be safe. Speed limits, safe drop-off zones, parking restrictions and School Crossing Supervisors are there for a reason. Everyone needs to adhere to the road rules, while also treating our School Crossing Supervisors with respect.”
“Creating a safe road network is everyone’s responsibility, let’s work together to ensure everyone arrives at school and home safely”.
For more information about school speed zones:
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/school-speed-zones
For more information on safety around children's crossings:
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/roads-parking-transport/parking-regulations-fines/parking-signs-permits