A School crossing supervisor program is being introduced in the ACT for the first time to increase safety around 23 schools and encourage more children to ride or walk to and from school.
Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris announced that schools from all sectors and regions across the ACT will benefit from the pilot program, to begin in term one of 2018.
“Prior to the last election, ACT Labor promised to implement a school crossing supervisor program pilot program to improve safety as some of our busiest school locations,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“I’m proud to say this program will begin in term one next year, to help more kids walk or ride to school.
“Walking or riding to school each day is a simple but effective way for children to get active and be healthier. It also helps reduce congestion around schools with fewer cars competing at the school drop off and pick up.
“The pilot will deliver supervisors at 20 crossings – which will potentially benefit 23 schools, as some sites include more than one school. Government, Catholic and Independent schools will benefit from the program, and at least one school from each Canberra region is also included, as is one special needs school, which is Malkara School.
“Feedback received through other school programs indicates children want to walk or ride to school, but parents are often reluctant because of safety concerns. I really believe this program will help to alleviate these concerns and make it easier for more children to the walk to school,” Minister Fitzharris said.
The program focuses on crossings used by infant, primary school or special needs children. Pedestrian and traffic volumes were collected at all eligible crossings and the data formed a key part of the selection process, given pedestrian and traffic volumes combine to create a potential safety risk for children.
An independent selection committee comprising key stakeholders from government and each of the school sectors was formed to finalise the list of schools to include in the pilot.
“I’d like to thank the selection committee for their input and recommendations,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Schools to benefit from a school crossing supervisor include: Amaroo School & Good Shepherd Primary School (co-located site), Brindabella Christian College (Lyneham campus), Canberra Girls Grammar School (junior school), Chapman Primary School, Florey Primary School, Forrest Primary School, Garran Primary School, Gold Creek School & Holy Spirit School (co-located site), Harrison School, Hughes Primary School, Lyneham Primary School, Majura Primary School, Mother Teresa School, Namadgi School, Ngunnawal Primary School, Red Hill Primary School, St Clare of Assisi Primary School, Sts Peter & Paul & Malkara School (co-located site), Trinity Christian School and Turner School.
The program will commence in 2018. For a full list of participating schools and for more information visit http://www.transport.act.gov.au/
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