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Northe Calls for Improvements to Tyers School Crossing

Northe calls to enhance pedestrian safety at the Tyers Primary School crossing on Main Road.

By Portal Admin - 5th November 2018 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling upon the State Government to enhance pedestrian safety including considering the installation of electronic school speed zone signs at the Tyers Primary School crossing on Main Road, Tyers.

"Earlier this year I was contacted the Tyers Primary School Council President who had expressed strong concerns relating to the safety of its students and the current condition of the road and crossing itself," said Mr Northe.

Mr Northe subsequently wrote to all relevant authorities including Latrobe City Council, Vic Roads and the Department of Education, in calling for action to improve pedestrian safety for students, staff, parents and residents of the Tyers community.

The school is not entitled to having a school crossing supervisor, and the crossing flags are not sufficient in minimising safety risks. In fact there have been cases of teachers actually standing on the crossing with many motorists not even stopping to give way.

"This is a very dangerous situation for all concerned and of course the students. I know Tyers Primary School teaches its students to be careful, to look both ways and to use caution when utilising the crossing, but motorists also have a responsibility to obey the road rules and slow down or stop at the crossing when required," said Mr Northe

Whilst there have been some very minor improvements to the road and crossing, the fact is that staff, students and parents still feel unsafe – this is completely unacceptable and more needs to be done to resolve this safety issue.

"As I understand the current rules and criteria preclude the school from receiving electronic school speed zone signs; in part due to the lack of volume of traffic and pedestrian activity. This is a very narrow view in my opinion, the crossing is either unsafe or its not, and the experience of the Tyers Primary School and Tyers community is that the school crossing in its current form is dangerous." said Mr Northe

"Criteria should not inhibit safety improvements as our children are far too precious. This is an area frequented by heavy vehicles and narrow roads and bends, and I am asking the State Government to urgently find a solution in consort with Tyers Primary School to fix this dangerous pedestrian crossing," said Mr Northe

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com