Council demands safety for St Peters school students
Thursday 24 June 2021
Inner West Council is demanding the NSW Government install a school zone along Campbell Street St Peters as a matter of urgency.
Council was contacted by Ron Hoenig MP Member for Heffron about a recent major near-miss when a heavy vehicle ran a red light as two schoolgirls were crossing Campbell Street at the intersection of St Peters Street.
It comes as parents at the school have continuingly voiced their serious concerns for the safety of their children as they cross Campbell Street to attend St Peters Public School.
“Council, the community and local representatives have repeatedly contacted the relevant NSW Government entities requesting a school zone,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.
“As Mr Hoenig so eloquently put it, we have been ‘met with nothing more than bureaucratic intransigence from the NSW Government and its transport agencies, who have rejected the request for a school zone on a technicality’.
“This dangerous situation was created by the NSW Government when their WestConnex project saw Campbell Street St Peters widened to four lanes.
“The risk this created was obvious to everyone – everyone that is except the Minister for Transport,” said Mayor Byrne.
“The NSW Government has refused to install a school zone, and they have rejected the idea of a permanent 40km/h speed limit.
“In fact, they have ignored all suggestions to improve safety and protect the St Peters Public School students.
“Now we are joining with Mr Hoenig, St Peters Public School principle and parents and the local community in calling for the Minister for Transport install a school zone as a matter of urgency,” Mayor Byrne said.
“As well, we are asking the Minister, Andrew Constance, to direct Transport for NSW to upgrade pedestrian safety on Campbell Street St Peters by installing rumble strips, flashing lights and a 40km zone.
“The situation has gone on long enough. It’s time for the Minister to step up and protect Inner West schoolchildren,” Mayor Byrne said.
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au