Flashing warning signs and high-profile pavement marking are being installed at more schools across Brisbane as part of Brisbane City Council’s plan to keep everyone safe as they return for the new school year.

 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said council is investing $772,000 to improve safety around schools and raise awareness of reduced speed limits by installing enhanced or flashing school zone signage and red pavement markings that read ‘school zone’.

 

Parents and drivers are also being reminded to ‘have their wits’ about them as thousands of students return to school after the Australia Day long weekend.

 

 “This time of year, there is a flood of children from kindy to high school heading back to school after a long break so it’s so important for kids, parents and other drivers to have their wits about them and be aware of their surroundings,” Cr Schrinner said. 

 

“A visible reminder is extremely effective in reminding motorists they were entering or driving through a school zone. 

 

“School zones can be a very busy place, with excited children being dropped off or picked up at school while general traffic is also passing through the area

 

“I want nothing more than for our residents, no matter what age, to be able to travel safely around our schools and Council is working hard to increase awareness of these zones.

 

“We are actively working with schools and local communities every day to ensure Brisbane is a safe environment for children, parents and carers to travel.

 

“Council has already installed enhanced school zone signage at 49 schools across Brisbane as part of the Enhanced School Zone program, with a further seven schools to benefit from the program this year. 

 

“We are taking real action to improve road safety around our schools and to help everyone get home safer.”

 

The schools were chosen based on assessments carried out in accordance with Queensland Government guidelines, which includes a review of the road environment and school-related activity and feedback from the relevant Councillor. 

 

This financial year Council is investing more than $3.4 million in school safety, including $390,000 upgrading pedestrian crossings, islands and footpaths at schools, $665,000 in the Active School Travel program and more than $1.6 million to deliver safer paths to school. Council also works with schools to develop traffic management plans and jointly funds, with the State Government, the Safe School Travel Infrastructure program.

 

Schools to receive enhanced school zone signage in 2019-20:

 

  • Australian International Islamic College – Blunder Road, Durack 

  • Brisbane Central State School – St Pauls Terrace, Spring Hill 

  • Clayfield College – Sandgate Road, Clayfield 

  • Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School – Mains Road, Sunnybank 

  • St Ambrose’s Primary School – Enoggera Road, Newmarket 

  • St Joseph’s College – Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill 

  • Wooloowin State School – Lutwyche Road, Wooloowin