Strathard Ward councilor Lorraine Wreford is calling for council to trial By Alison Noonan
CASEY Councillor Lorraine Wreford has called for safer road conditions around schools.
Cr Wreford said dangerous drivers were an increasing problem at many schools throughout the city, claiming something needed to be done to reinforce the safety message to motorists.
“Unsafe driving habits are a big issue outside schools and busy school areas have become a real problem,” she said.
Cr Wreford requested at last week’s council meeting that a letter be written to VicRoads to consider trialling polemounted, fixed radar speed displays around schools in Casey.
“Council currently carts the SAM portable unit around the city, which is a big electronic screen that displays your speed as you drive past,” she said.
“However, what I’m suggesting is smaller, polemounted signs that are fixed in one spot.
“From the research I’ve seen, drivers tend to self regulate when they see their speed highlighted in front of them.
“Statistically you get more speed compliance,” she said.
Cr Wreford wants a trial of the speed displays outside schools on busy roads.
“I think a lot of schools would benefit from having them, including Narre Warren South P12 College.
“This is a new idea that is totally geared toward improving safety,” she said.
Cr Wreford’s motion came as councillors agreed to prepare a submission to VicRoads supporting its review of speed zones throughout the state.
It was recommended that VicRoads retain the current speed guidelines around the city but replace permanent 40km/h school speed zones with parttime 40km/h zones.
A report presented to council stated that the permanent 40km/h zones were causing considerable concern, particularly during outofschool hours.
It was also suggested that VicRoads give a clear definition of the difference between rural and builtup areas.
“The current definition is not clear to most of the public and clarification could lead to greater community compliance/acceptance of speed zones,” the report said.
