By Cameron Weston
HOBSONS Bay councillor Peter Hemphill accused VicRoads of “hiding behind inept policy” by refusing to install flashing variable speed signs outside schools in the municipality.
Cr Hemphill raised the issue at the council meeting on 12 September, tabling a motion that the council call on VicRoads to install the signs on major roads.
The signs are illuminated with bright lights that change from ‘60’ to ‘40’ during restricted speed times before and after school.
Cr Hemphill said the council had repeatedly asked VicRoads to install the signs.
“If they’re really serious about child safety they should put these signs in.”
Director of works and assets Phillip McDonald said the council was trying to have the signs installed at eight locations.
He said they would replace non-electronic signs that read, “school days only”, and gave times of the speed restrictions; from 8am to 9.30am and 2:30 to 4pm.
A VicRoads spokesman said the electronic signs could only be installed “at school speed zones where the prevailing speed limit is 70km/h or above”.
The spokesman said this policy was in line with recommendations released by the State Government’s Speed Limits Advisory Group earlier this year.
However, electronic signs are already installed in the 60km/h zone outside Bayside Secondary College on Millers Road, according to Mr McDonald.
“They’re just hiding behind an inept policy,” Cr Hemphill said.
“If the government is really serious about child safety, they would do this.”
Mr McDonald said the council was seeking the electronic signs because they stood out.
“A standard sign is not as noticeable because there are so many around. They just don’t have the same impact.
“You can actually see the flashing signs from a long way away as you’re coming down the road.”
Acting Sergeant David Fisher, from the Williamstown Traffic Management Unit, said it was widely accepted among traffic police that illuminated or flashing signs were more effective at slowing drivers down.
“Anything that can draw a driver’s attention to that 90 minute restricted speed limit time is better for police, better for schools and better for kids.
“All school speed zone signs should be illuminated during that 90 minute restricted speed period in the morning and afternoon.”
Acting Sgt Fisher said making drivers more aware of changing speed zones could be a life and death issue.
“If you run over a kid at 40 km/h you’re going to break something but if you hit them at 60, you’re going to kill them.
“It’s just bringing people back to a speed where people are going to survive.”
