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Local company Screentech is installing
its Solar Powered LED Flashing lights which will now provide
motorists with a powerful warning about slowing down before
entering a 40kmh school zone.
Announcing the initiative today at the
start of the new school term, Road Safety Minister Michelle
Roberts said there would be a 12-month trial of the new
flashing signals at five school zones in the metropolitan
area.
The lights will be attached to the top
of the existing school zone signs and will only operate
on school days between 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm.
"Flashing lights are immediately
recognised by motorists as an alarm signal and they automatically
slow down," Mrs Roberts said.
| Minister for Road Safety Michelle Roberts with Screentech
Director, Mr Ian Langlands and Screentech Technician
Mr Wen Hao Ho |
"This trial will determine just
how effective the flashing lights are in a selection of
different road types and where there are varied speed
zones approaching the school."
The Minister said the five school zones
included:
- Murdoch Drive, Bateman for Corpus Christi College
and Yidarra Primary;
- Woodrow Avenue, Yokine for Yokine Primary and Carmel
Primary;
- Gordon Road, Mandurah for Assumption Catholic Primary
and Frederick Irwin Anglican School;
- Kintail Road, Applecross for Applecross Primary;
and
- Angelo Street, South Perth for South Perth Primary.
These particular school zones were chosen
because they ranged from a four-lane dual carriageway
where the speed limit outside the school zone was 70km/hr,
to a two-lane local distributor road where the speed limit
outside the school zone was 50km/h.
Mrs Roberts said the 40kmh zones surrounding
schools were vital to protect students who were at their
most vulnerable when arriving or leaving school.
"With more than 360,000 students
around the State going back to school, I am appealing
to drivers to slow down and be aware when approaching
a school zone," she said.
"Speed will make the difference
between life and death for them."
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