ELECTRONIC speed zone lights near a Koroit school have been given the flick by the state government, former premier Denis Napthine says.
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A campaign by pupils, parents and teachers at Koroit and District Primary School has pressed for new signs along Commercial Road for more than a year.
Dr Napthine said he committed before last year’s state election to installing the 40km/h zone signs and called on Roads Minister Luke Donnellan to take action.
“These flashing lights ensure motorists are aware of the speed limit and improve safety around schools,” the South West Coast MP said.
“There are several installed along Raglan Parade in Warrnambool and there’s one along the Princes Highway near Port Fairy Consolidated School.
“The same signs are needed in Koroit and the community deserve those signs.”
Koroit and District Primary School pupil Samuel Sutcliffe and his mother Leanne brought the issue to the attention of regional leaders last year through a petition.
Mrs Sutcliffe told The Standard last year that one of her son’s main motivations was to protect crossing supervisor Sue Hand.
She said there had been incidents where cars had veered on to the side of Commercial Road to avoid children and Ms Hand.
“A lot of P-platers pull up at the last minute,” Mrs Sutcliffe said in May last year.
Dr Napthine accepted the petition from Samuel four months later and made an election commitment to install the electronic flashing signs not long after.
The Liberal MP criticised Mr Donnellan for not meeting with Koroit teachers or parents over the matter.
“If you go to Commercial Road and see the volume of traffic along there, you can understand exactly why these signs are necessary,” Dr Napthine said.
A spokeswoman for the Roads Minister said he was aware of the community’s request for electronic speed signs in Koroit.
“Commercial Road, around the school, has been assessed by VicRoads, who have confirmed that the current static signage is adequate,” the spokeswoman said.
“There is a children’s crossing in front of the school, which is operated by a crossing supervisor, as well as a number of signs warning drivers to the presence of children travelling in the area.
“The state government will continue to work with VicRoads to monitor the safety of the area.”
