INSTALLATION OF FLASHING LIGHTS IN SCHOOL PRECINCTS

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 15:39

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

8 October 2011 

INSTALLATION OF FLASHING LIGHTS IN

GUNNEDAH AND TAMWORTH SCHOOL PRECINCTS

Kevin Anderson MP, Member for Tamworth, today announced installation of flashing lights to increase school pedestrian safety in two local school precincts.

Lights in Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah, will benefit students of Gunnedah Public School, St Xavier's Primary School and St Mary's College and lights in Brisbane and Napier Streets, Tamworth, benefiting students of Tamworth Public School and Calrossy School.

“These lights are installed to maximise safety for our local children. Lights in Tamworth will be activated today and on Thursday 10 November in Gunnedah,” Mr Anderson said.

“Flashing lights slow motorists down around schools and warn them they are approaching a school.”

The lights were installed as part of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government $13 million commitment to accelerate the rollout of flashing lights in NSW schools.

Mr Anderson said the lights will operate automatically when school zone speed limits are in force and increase drivers’ awareness of school zones.

“The lights have been installed on Bloomfield Street and will operate automatically between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm on school days during term time,” Mr Anderson said.

Flashing lights are linked to a central computer system which operates lights across the state.

The lights use LED (light-emitting diode) technology which provides brighter light and is more energy efficient.

By the end of 2011 there will be 746 flashing light school zones across the state covering more than 900 schools.

This is more than a quarter of all the schools in NSW.

The full list of installed sites is available on the RTA website, and is regularly updated.

Sites are chosen based on set criteria including traffic and pedestrian volumes, crash history and risk, speed limits, the road environment and visibility.

Flashing lights are one component of the RTA’s road safety program. Other measures include marked foot crossings, dragon’s teeth markings, traffic lights and pedestrian refuges.

Mr Anderson also announced today that the traffic lights at the intersection of Bridge Street (Oxley Highway) and Belmore Street, Tamworth, are now operational. 

ENDS