State Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, today announced Ku-ring-gai has benefited from the completion of a $10 million program boosting school zone safety.

The project included upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure at 140 schools as well as the addition of extra school zone flashing lights to more than 500 schools around the state.

Key Points

1. In Stage 2, the $5 million pedestrian safety infrastructure program provided grants of up to $50,000 to local councils to upgrade or install additional safety infrastructure on local roads around schools.
2. In Stage 1, $5 million was invested in additional school zone flashing lights at 504 school zones around the state.
3. Children at the following Ku-ring-gai schools have benefited from the recent completion of pedestrian upgrades:

• Pymble Ladies’ College - Raised crossing
• Turramurra North Public School - Raised crossing
• Turramurra Public School - Raised crossing
• Waitara Public School - Fencing

“We all have a role to play when it comes to pedestrian safety, particularly when it comes to the safety around schools,” Mr Henskens said.

“PLC, Turramurra North, Turramurra and Waitara children will be a little safer walking near their school thanks to the fact Ku-ring-gai has shared in this funding.”

Mr Henskens said that, although there have been no school-aged pedestrian deaths in active school zones since December 2013, drivers should not become complacent.

“Roads and children can be a dangerous mix, which is why we are investing in making school zones as safe as possible to reduce the risk of tragedy,” said Mr Henskens.

“School children are some of the most vulnerable people using the road, which is why we have programs such as school zone flashing lights, pedestrian crossings and fencing to keep children safe going to and from school.

“We can all play our part in keeping our kids safe by sticking to school zone speed limits and constantly keeping an eye out for children who might run out onto the road unexpectedly.”

The number of pedestrian deaths in NSW so far this year stands at 41, which is 12 more than the same time last year.