Flashing lights have been installed on Waniora Parkway and Yaranabee Road at Hastings Public School to increase school zone pedestrian safety in the Port Macquarie area.
At the launch on Tuesday, Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, said these lights were installed to maximise safety for our local children and to slow motorists down around schools and warn them they are approaching a school.”
The lights were installed as part of the NSW Government’s $13 million commitment to accelerate the rollout of flashing lights in NSW schools.
The lights will operate automatically between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm on school days during term time.
Flashing lights are linked to a central computer system which operates lights across the state.
The lights use LED (light-emitting diode) technology which provides brighter light and is more energy efficient.
By the end of 2011 there will be 746 flashing light school zones across the state, covering more than 900 schools.
Sites are chosen based on set criteria including traffic and pedestrian volumes, crash history and risk, speed limits, the road environment and visibility.
Flashing lights are one component of the RTA’s road safety program. Other measures include marked foot crossings, dragon’s teeth markings, traffic lights and pedestrian refuges.
