STUDENTS at Kialla West Primary School face ongoing risks crossing a major highway to get to class. Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, to visit the school to see for himself.
Ms Sheed said she had been working with various government departments for months to discern what must happen to make the school crossing safer, but there were hurdles that may require Mr Carroll’s intervention.
“The school crossing is on a major highway, where commuters are driving at 110 kph for long distances. They are required to slow down to 80 kph as they approach the 40 kph school crossing zone.”
“In 2018 we saw a terrible vehicle collision, where three children travelling in a car were injured and other children crossing the road narrowly escaped injury.”
“We do not want to see another incident like this happen – we need a plan to protect the Kialla West Primary School students.”
It seems there are limited solutions, due to the school being bounded by channels, a graveyard, and farmland. The school’s parents’ committee believes an underpass is the best option.
“I took the opportunity while in parliament to ask Minister Carroll to visit the crossing to see for himself how dangerous the crossing is for students.”
“I stood at this crossing after the school drop off and witnessed dozens of trucks passing, some clearly in excess of the 40 kph speed limit, that is in place until 9.30am.”
