IMPROVED ROAD SAFETY FOR MUSWELLBROOK HIGH SCHOOL

Work has been undertaken to improve student safety and driver awareness with new flashing lights installed in the Muswellbrook High School Zone.

Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the NSW Government was investing in signage upgrades as part of the NSW School Zone Flashing Lights program.

“The safety of all road users is a top priority for the NSW Government, and since 2011 the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has ensured every school in NSW has at least one set of flashing lights,” Mr Layzell said.

“School zone flashing lights remind road users to slow down when they approach schools, lighting up when students are out in high numbers.

“Research shows flashing signs have improved driver awareness and helped reduce vehicle speeds in school areas.

“We engaged Ventia to deliver these upgrades, which included replacing the existing signs with new flashing school zone lights at Bell and Victoria streets.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the flashing lights were just one of the measures the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is implementing to keep students right across NSW safe.

“From installing flashing lights at every school in NSW to delivering raised zebra crossings and pedestrian islands, our government is making sure our students are safe on their way to and from school,” Mr Farraway said.

“We’ve invested $18.5 million into delivering 300 additional school crossing supervisors in NSW to support students while crossing the road and the NSW Rural and Regional Bus Seatbelt Program has ensured a safer trip to and from school for more than 200,000 students.

“This program was extended earlier this year to 100 school buses in the Singleton, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens area, giving parents more comfort knowing their kids are better protected when travelling to school.”