It’s almost time for children to head back to class, with Ipswich motorists encouraged to be on high alert for the beginning of the new school year.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said school zones will be back in action from 22 January with 40km/h speed limits and parking restrictions in place around Ipswich school areas.
“Drivers should look out for signage to make sure they’re travelling the right speed, and parents should use designated drop-off zones where available to help keep our kids safe,” Mayor Harding said.
“After weeks of school holidays, our children may not be fully-focused on roads and routines around schools, so I urge motorists to take extra care.
“Slow down, use designated drop-off zones, and look out for unpredictable and distracted children before and after school who are crossing roads, riding bikes, and stepping out from buses or cars.
“Slowing down won’t make much difference in your trip time but could save a child’s life.”
Council’s School Safe Parking Program supports schools to encourage behavioural change in local communities by providing key tools and resources to educate parents and motorists on safe road travel and creating a safer environment for school children.
“Illegal parking behaviour at schools puts the safety of school children and others at risk. Schools can play a leading role in improving safety for students during drop off and pick up times,” Mayor Harding said.
“Some good practices include teaching school-aged children to only cross at pedestrian crossings, to cross when the green ‘walk’ sign is showing, or at supervised school crossings when the supervisor has signalled it is safe to cross.
“Teaching road safety techniques at a young age by walking or riding to school with your child until they understand how to be safe around roads (usually around 10-years-old or older) is a great way to ensure your kids are street smart.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council compliance officers will be monitoring school parking areas from the first day of term.
“To keep children safe around schools, council compliance officers monitor school parking areas and enforce parking zones and restrictions,” Cr Tully said.
“This includes issuing infringement notices to people who breach parking restrictions.
“Council also plays a role in educating schools, students and parents about safe parking practices around schools.”
A supervised school crossing will be installed on Alice Street, Goodna in time for the new school year at Westside Christian College.
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the school crossing would be completed between Stuart and Audrey Streets.
“Council is installing a safe, supervised crossing for Westside Christian College students who need to make their way over this busy street,” Cr Jonic said.
“Work started in mid-December and will be completed by 22 January, the first day of the new school term.
“This is an important and welcome addition to Alice Street for the safety of our school students and their families when going to and from school.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said council is also constructing a concrete footpath along Cowie Street, Deebing Heights as part of council’s Provisional Projects – Local Amenity Program.
“The works are to construct a footpath along Cowie Street, Deebing Heights connecting the two school crossings and should be completed in time for the new school term,” Cr Madsen said.
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said if you live in the area or are travelling through the area, you may experience traffic control and an increase in construction noise.
“Please be patient until works are completed as this project will be of benefit to residents, parents and school children for 2024,” Cr Ireland said.
School zones are in force between 7am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm. However, some school zones speed limits are in force all day, between 7am to 4pm.
Two schools, Redbank Plains State School at School Road and Goodna State School at Albert Street, will have fixed parking compliance cameras in place for the start of the school year.
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