School safety improvements all but completed

A $10 million school zone safety infrastructure program has come to an end with a number of schools throughout the Orange electorate benefiting from upgrades on local roads.

Calare Primary School received raised medians on Woodward Street, Kinross Wolaroi School received new signage and line marking on Allenby Street, and Orange Public School received lane and line marking improvements on Moulder and Hill Streets.

All up around 140 schools received upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure under the program and more than 500 schools around the state received extra school zone flashing lights.

Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless said children will now be a little safer walking near their school thanks to this funding.

“We all have a role to play when it comes to pedestrian safety, particularly when it comes to the safety around schools,” Mr. Colless said.

Although there have been no school aged pedestrian deaths in active school zones since December 2013, Mr. Colless said drivers should not become complacent.

“Roads and children can be a dangerous mix, which is why we are investing in making school zones as safe as possible to reduce the risk of tragedy,” said Mr Colless said.

“School children are some of the most vulnerable people using the road, which is why we have programs such as school zone flashing lights, pedestrian crossings and fencing to keep children safe going to and from school.

“We can all play our part in keeping our kids safe by sticking to school zone speed limits and constantly keeping an eye out for children who might run out onto the road unexpectedly.”

The number of pedestrian deaths in NSW so far this year stands at 41, which is 12 more than the same time last year.