Parramatta City Council has launched a school road safety program with a difference. Rather than targeting parents with the message, rangers take their program to students in the hope they will influence their adult ‘chauffeurs’ to adopt safer practices.
The program was developed in response to the high incidence of child pedestrian accidents. Lord Mayor Paul Garrard said many of these accidents occurred as children were on the way to, or way home from school.
“Illegal parking near schools has been identified as a major problem area,” he said. “People who park in restricted zones obstruct the view of other motorists. “Therefore, even if children use the pedestrian crossing they are at risk because drivers cannot see what is up ahead.
“Similarly, dropping off or picking up children in unsafe areas where they are forced to walk onto the road between parked cars is another hazard.” Rangers will conduct the program in schools, issuing students with brochures to take home and discuss with their parents.
Shortly after their visits to the school, rangers will begin to issue penalties to motorists who are still not complying with parking regulations. Environment and Health Manager Wayne O’Connor said trials had proved that education was more effective than enforcement in producing long term results.
For further information contact Wayne O’Connor, telephone (02) 9806 5060
