Flashing lights for Ettalong school

Flashing lights are to be installed at the school zone at Ettalong Beach Public School.

"The flashing lights at Ettalong Beach Public School are expected to be installed during the first half of 2011," said Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews.

Ms Andrews said Ettalong was chosen because it met RTA criteria.

"Criteria set by the RTA's Centre for Road Safety include traffic and pedestrian volumes, crash history and risk, speed limits, the road environment and visibility."

Ms Andrews said: "Flashing lights keep our young students safe by slowing motorists down around school areas.

"A trial completed in 2006-2007 found flashing lights helped slow motorists by an average of seven km an hour when they entered a school zone.

"Even small differences in speed can save lives.

"Research shows that a pedestrian hit at 40km per hour is twice as likely to survive as a pedestrian hit at 50km per hour.

"The flashing lights are based on technology designed to increase drivers' awareness of children.

"Flashing lights are just one component of the road safety program; others include new marked foot crossings, dragon's teeth markings, traffic lights and pedestrian refuges in school zones."

Media Release, 8 Nov 2010 Narelle Arnfield, Marie Andrews' office