Page 3847 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2013
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There are many other roads that are of concern to me in my electorate. Of course, roads around schools should be a high priority for the government. I have contacted the government about numerous roads around schools such as Giralang Primary School, St Thomas Aquinas, St Vincent’s, St Monica’s, Radford, and others. Whilst some have had an adequate response, some, I believe, have not been resolved satisfactorily.
The Canberra Liberals were proud of the policy we took to the election last year of installing flashing lights in school zones across the territory. We believe that the heightened awareness of school zones that will come about as a result of flashing lights will help make our roads safer. Whilst I am pleased that the minister said yesterday that he is considering flashing lights in some instances, I think there is real merit in applying the policy consistently across the territory,
The need for lights in Giralang near the primary school is not necessarily an obvious case. Whilst the primary school is tucked away behind the service station and former shops, for good reason, the 40 kilometres an hour signs are on Canopus and Fornax streets. Whilst the school is not necessarily visible, the risk of school students being in the vicinity is very high. So without the visual presence of a school, I think it is relatively easy for people to accidentally speed through the zone. I believe that adding additional 40 kilometres an hour signs and the inclusion of flashing lights at this location would be a welcome addition for the school community. I hope the government will consider this proposal.
I, like other members, have been contacted by members of the Melrose High School community who are concerned about the safety of students crossing Athllon Drive. Community members are concerned that the 80 kilometres an hour speed limit makes it particularly dangerous for students to cross Athllon Drive. They are also concerned that many drivers are unaware of the school and speed up to get through the traffic lights at the intersection of Athllon Drive and Beasley Street. I believe the school has also made a submission to the vulnerable road users inquiry. This issue is of concern to me and I hope that the government and the committee can look into the safety of this site.
I am pleased that the government will be making some improvements to Wise Street in Braddon near Merici. After raising this matter with the government about six months ago, TAMS met with the school and I believe both parties have agreed on some safety improvements to the site. I thank Roads ACT for working towards this outcome, and hope that the improvements can be made as quickly as possible.
Whilst not necessarily about school zones, the issue of speeding around playing fields, especially on weekends, is a policy area that may have flown under the radar for some time. Such fields are often a hive of activity and frequently involve kids running from cars onto the fields or vice versa. Unlike school days, when there are defined times which are higher risk, playing fields on weekends do not necessarily have a peak time, but are constantly busy. As such, this area of road safety may need to be reviewed.
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