Tecoma Primary School Principal Rohan Thompson and students Leah, Jackson (back), Rachael and Keanu welcome the new signs. 24884 Picture: Casey Neill
By Casey Neill
NEW electronic speed signs were switched on outside three hills primary schools last week.
The 12 solar powered signs will alert drivers of the reduced school zone speed limit during drop-off and pick-up periods.
Tecoma, Macclesfield and Belgrave’s St Thomas More’s primary schools were among about 200 Victorian schools to receive signs.
Tecoma principal Rohan Thompson said the speed signs would make it easier for drivers to know when to slow down.
There has been a 24 per cent reduction in crashes around schools involving pedestrians or cyclists since school speed zones were introduced.
“Research shows that reducing speed is a key factor in both avoiding crashes and reducing their severity,” Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said.
“Even a small reduction in travelling speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving a collision.”
The new signs are part of a $13.6 million State Government plan to improve safety in high risk school zones.
Signs are being installed on roads with 70km/h speed limits and on 60km/h roads with the highest traffic volume.
Signs are already in place in 80km/h zones.
