The safety of NSW’s youngest road users will be strengthened with the NSW Government set to appoint 88 new school crossing supervisors at 80 schools across the state.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said it was part of the Government’s fast-tracked $18.5 million plan to appoint 300 new school crossing supervisors within three years.
“We have seen an increase in traffic around schools in the past few months as many parents choose to drive their children to and from school,” Mr Constance said.
“The safety of students remains a key priority with many returning to the classroom today.
“Over the coming months these new school crossing supervisors will join more than 1200 others across the state helping to keep primary school students safe,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Constance said the new crossing supervisors will work at schools from Greenacre to Gunnedah including at several new locations.
“The NSW Government is committed to keeping our kids safe whether it’s in the city or the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“The next round of supervisor recruitment will open soon and I strongly encourage dedicated people interested in serving their community to keep an eye out for the job ads.”
Mr Toole said school crossing supervisors are part of a suite of measures designed to ensure road safety around schools including reduced speed limits in school zones, high visibility safety treatments like signs, ‘dragon teeth’ road markings and flashing lights.
“As kids return to school, motorists need to remember to watch their speed and slow down when entering an active school zone, or when you see bus lights flash. This means children are nearby – and those who don’t obey the rules are putting lives at risk.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said road safety at our schools is a joint effort for all road users.
“Motorists always need to be aware when driving near schools particularly during pick up and drop off,” Minister Mitchell said.
“Extra crossing supervisors are an important addition at school crossings helping keep some of our youngest learners safe on their way to and from school.”
Road users can download the Speed Adviser app which alerts drivers when they enter an active school zone.