Two local schools will receive flashing lights to signal school zones to drivers in a major safety boost.
On Mamre Road the flashing lights will be installed at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School, much to the relief of the school’s principal, Mark Geerligs and concerned parent, Helen Mulligan.
There has been an ongoing campaign for the school zone and flashing lights to be installed on Mamre Road, since Ms Mulligan and Mr Geerligs approached State Mulgoa MP, Tanya Davies, for assistance last year.
Ms Mulligan said that the situation was extremely dangerous, given that Mamre Road is a major four-lane road linking the M4 to the Great Western Highway and St Clair.
“I have seen many things which disturb me, such as students running to cross the road, I have seen a young student slip on the edge of the gutter while waiting to cross the road on a rainy day,” Ms Mulligan said.
Mrs Davies said that following representations she made to the Minister for Roads, she held an onsite meeting with the Traffic Management Centre, to show them firsthand the dangers present for children walking to school.
“During the onsite meeting with the Traffic Management Centre, I was confident that they understood the dangers and the need for an urgent solution,” Mrs Davies said.
Mrs Davies also made representations to the Minister on behalf of St Clair Public School, which already had lights installed on Timesweep Drive in July but was in need of the signal system to warn motorists using Autumnleaf Parade, the other major access road to the school.
“All traffic passing the school is aware of the school zone and I have noticed that traffic has slowed,” principal, Judy Loder said.
The lights will operate automatically between 8am and 9.30am as well as 2.30pm and 4pm on school days during term time.
