Liberal Member for Penrith Stuart Ayrestoday announced flashing lights have been installed at Jamisontown Public School before school goes back for term four to increase school zone pedestrian safety on Ikin Street in Jamisontown.
“These lights were installed ahead of schedule to maximise safety from the start of the new term,” Mr Ayres said.
“Flashing lights slow motorists down around schools and warn them they are approaching a school.”
Mr Ayres said the lights will operate automatically when school zone speed limits are in force and increase drivers’ awareness of school zones.
“The lights have been installed on Ikin Street and will operate automatically between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm on school days during term time,” Mr Ayres said.
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.
This is more than a quarter of all the schools in NSW.
The full list of installed sites is available on the RTA website, and is regularly updated.
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.
