By Fatima Halloum
Motorists have been warned not to participate in “completely unacceptable“ behaviour as traffic increases in the lead up to students returning to school.
Westgate Highway Patrol senior sergeant Andrew Whelan said speeding was identified by police as a key community concern in the Wyndham area.
“At this time of year in particular we’re all especially busy and rushing around with things to do…please take the time to concentrate when you’re behind the wheel,“ Senior Sergeant Whelan said.
“It’s of enormous concern people would behave like this at any time, let alone when we know there are so many children out on the roads.“
Police said they detected 42 offences, impounded two vehicles, detected a drink driver and a drug driver and spoke with more than 180 people during an operation staged outside three schools across three mornings in the Wyndham in October last year,
One driver was alleged to have been travelling at more than 25km/hr over the speed limit, resulting in the automatic suspension of their licence.
“The penalties are severe but that’s nothing compared with seriously injuring or even killing an innocent child,“ Senior Sergeant Whelan said.
Mayor and community safety portfolio holder Susan McIntyre said safety around the municipality is everyone’s responsibility.
“We encourage local residents, school parents and caregivers to observe safety issues around their local schools on a daily basis,“ she said.
Wyndham council is also currently seeking feedback from parents on road safety issues around Woodville Primary School, Bellbridge Primary School and Truganina South Primary School, in an effort to ensure students and those travelling within the school zone remain safe.
“The feedback will be used to develop projects or initiatives that will be trialled to improve safe travel for pedestrians and motorists,“ she said.
“Children and students are vulnerable around our roads, so we all need to do our bit to ensure that they get to school safely and return safely each and every day.”
Residents, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who live or travel through school zones are also encouraged to share their feedback.
Council said general feedback from the broader community around other schools is also welcome.
The survey will be open for completion until February 12.
Details: bit.ly/3GYqCfd
