Four Geraldton schools affected as part of State Government’s school crossing safety initiative

Four Geraldton schools are set to adopt a 40km/h speed limit, as part of the State Government’s investment to improve safety at school crossings.

In total, $10 million has been put aside in this year’s State Budget, and will put the speed limits to the 165 warden-controlled school crossings across WA that are not part of designated zones.

Among them includes Allendale, Bluff Point, Rangeway, and Waggrakine primary schools.

The speed limit at these schools ranges from 50-70km/h, with Bluff Point and Allendale having crossings on the North West Coastal Highway, Allendale another on Phelps Street and Waggrakine on Chapman Valley Road.

The speed limits would be in line with the current school zone times utilised across the State, with slower speed periods between 7.30am to 9am, and 2.30pm to 4pm.

The money will go towards installing electronic speed limit signage at the schools on the North West Coastal Highway, as well as static signs at Phelps Street and Utakarra Road.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said safety was paramount for everyone involved.

“This program is pivotal to ensure increased safety for schoolchildren going to and from schools, as well as for our wardens,” she said.

“Expanding the program to reducing speeds to 40 km/h at children’s crossings outside of the existing school zones emphasises our commitment to prioritising the safety of our most vulnerable road users.

“Creating safer road environments encourages parents and children to embrace more active modes of travel to and from school.”

Main Roads are in charge of delivering the program, and will be funded through the Road Safety Commission’s road trauma trust account.

Road Safety Minister David Michael said the funds come from fines on the road.

“I am pleased to be able to work in collaboration with Main Roads and WA Police on this important safety initiative,” he said.

“Importantly the $10 million is being made available from the Road Trauma Trust Account, which means fines from speed and red-light cameras are being used to improve road safety for some of our most vulnerable road users.”