The issue of traffic congestion around schools at drop-off and pickup time has come into focus recently with parents receiving parking fines, and local residents complaining about blockages caused by parents double-parking around schools.
According to a recent article in the Herald-Sun:
Our view
PV Chief Executive Officer Gail McHardy is quoted in the article. Here are Gail’s comments in full, as provided to the Herald-Sun:
Parents Victoria (PV) acknowledges traffic and parking challenges exist in some school communities, it has always been a hot topic especially when a school receives complaints from local residents if parents and carers are obstructing driveways in the morning or afternoon. Student safety is paramount and every child has the right to get to school safely. Local councils and school community representatives should have the opportunity to work together on local solutions, however motorists and pedestrians need to abide by the local council rules.
- It is the view of Parents Victoria that the safety of school students is always top priority.
- PV has policies regarding transport and road safety – school buses, school crossings and school speed zones.
- PV ran a successful campaign in the 1990s to secure the 40km school speed zones and have supported RACV on recent campaigns to secure safer speed limits on adjacent roads.
The relevant authorities are working hard to address this situation and provide guidelines:
- VicRoads gives clear advice to drivers and pedestrians regarding their responsibilities and obligations.
- Some local councils do their own specific information (see this example).
- Schools also do their part and publish their own local instructions and expectations
(see this example). - DET policy is clear about school crossings and onsite traffic management to schools.
Radio interview
Gail was also interviewed by ABC Radio on this issue. She spoke to Sammy J on the Breakfast show on Thursday 28 April.
- Listen to the ABC interview online (jump forward to 1 hour 45 mins)
- Read the Herald-Sun article (subscription only)
3 Responses
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.