Renewed call for flashing lights

Save Our Suburbs has renewed its call for flashing lights at Peninsula school zones, after receiving a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary stating that trials elsewhere would continue.

Save Our Suburbs Central Coast representative Mr Mark Ellis said the response from the Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, Mr Tony Stewart, was inadequate.

Mr Stewart stated that a 12-month trial at 11 sites found that motorists did slow down at some schools, but not others.

He also stated that in some places drivers increased their speed.

Consequently the trial has been extended at 43 schools until June next year.

Mr Stewart also commented that with regard to speed cameras, an independent evaluation of 28 existing fixed speed cameras found that there were 21 fatalities over the three years leading to camera installations compared to only one fatality in two years with the cameras operating.

Mr Ellis said that trials at Middle Harbour of solar-powered flashing lights in its 40kmh school zones had been welcomed by Pedestrian Crossing Association chairman Mr Harold Scruby.

"Anecdotal evidence suggests most motorists agree with 40kmh school zones, but they want warning flashing lights," Mr Scruby was reported to have said.

Mr Ellis said that the government continued to use speed cameras as "cash cows" while it neglected the safety of the children and the general public.

Letter, October 25 Mark Ellis, Save Our Suburbs