Wyndham council has called on the community to help keep children safe, as schools start reopening for the first term of the year.
Mayor Adele Hegedich said it was important for families to feel that their children are protected as they make their way to and from school.
“It’s important for all road users to remember to slow down around schools, especially at drop-off and pick-up times,” Cr Hegedich said.
“There are reduced speed zones around schools in place between 8am and 9.30am and in the afternoons 2.30-4pm.”
“To help keep our kids safe remember to slow down in school speed zones during school times, be extra cautious around schools and be aware that young children can be unpredictable and difficult to see.”
Cr Hegedich said it was also vital to teach children how to cross supervised crossings, to stick to the footpath and be aware of their surroundings.
Wyndham’s community safety portfolio holder, Cr Susan McIntyre, encouraged parents to also be mindful of how they drop-off and pick-up children from school.
“If you’re dropping or picking kids off at school, look for parking restriction signs and make sure to obey them,” she said.
“Don’t forget to allow extra time if you are a parent or carer dropping kids off at school and remember that double parking, parking in a no-stopping zone, parking on nature strips, is illegal.”
Cr McIntyre said the council was offering grants of $5000 to primary schools (including P-9 and P-12 schools) within the Wyndham municipality to participate in the Wyndham Active Travel To School program.
“The program supports schools to reduce traffic congestion which will make it safer during drop off and pick up time while also increasing walking, riding and scooting to school which is great at keeping kids active and healthy,” Cr McIntyre said.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/activetravelschoolsprogram
