Keep kids safe outside the school gates

As school returns for Term 3 on Monday 12 July, our Wyndham community needs to be diligent and mindful of traffic conditions near our schools.

Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Adele Hegedich, said: “Every single member of the Wyndham community is responsible for keeping the children and students of Wyndham safe. We always need to be aware and alert on our roads, and as school holidays conclude, our vigilance around schools needs to continue.”

“Reduced speed zones are legally in place during drop-off and pick-up times, however we ask that drivers are always cautious around schools, no matter the time of day.”

Community Safety portfolio holder, Cr Susan McIntyre, said: “The busiest times for schools are between 8am--9:30am and 2:30-4pm. Combined with peak hour traffic, it is easy for drivers to get distracted, so we all need to be alert and aware that sometimes young children can be unpredictable in their behaviour around roads.”

“We ask that parents and guardians in Wyndham continue to teach their children road safety, encourage the use of supervised crossings and ensuring that crossing supervisors’ instructions are followed – safety around the school gates is a priority.”

Cr McIntyre said it was also important that parents and guardians are reminded of the pick-up and drop-off requirements that need to be followed. “Parking laws need to be obeyed, so please be mindful that double parking, parking in a no-stopping zone and parking on nature strips is illegal. School safety is paramount, so let’s work together to keep our kids safe outside the school gate.”

For more information about school speed zones: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/school-speed-zones

For more information on safety around Children’s Crossings: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/roads-parking-transport/parking-regulations-fines/parking-signs-permits