NANNAPHAT SRITAKOONRUT
The Queensland Government will consider increasing fines for motorists caught near schools if new flashing lights fail to prevent speeding.
The flashing lights are intended to draw motorists’ attention to the operation of the school zone.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said motorists often use the excuse that it is difficult to identify a school zone.
“If the warning lights don’t curb speeding, then it will be time to increase penalties,” Mr Emerson said.
Motorist Sienna Heaney said she believes increasing speeding fines are reasonable.
“I don’t see any bad things about it and it can stop people altogether to drive over speed limit near schools,” Ms Heaney said.
“There are very well posted signs in school zone areas but sometimes you’re coming around the corner and you can’t clearly see the sign. The sign could be bigger.”
According to Department of Transport and Main Roads, speeding has been identified as a major factor of road crashes and deaths.
It has been a major contributor to road fatalities in Queensland, accounting for 22.6 per cent of the road toll in 2011–2012.
Speeding through school zones poses as a major threat to pedestrians where the faster a vehicle is travelling, the longer it takes to stop, increasing the impact.
Children are also impulsive, unpredictable and inexperienced which is why motorists need to exercise caution in the vicinity of a school.
Very good!!!!
timely article!