In the zone: Andy Richards dodges traffic in a Grovedale school speed zone. Picture: Tommy Ritchie
Kim Waters
TRAFFIC problems and dangerous parking outside Geelong schools are creating “near misses and horror stories”, according to a councillor.
Infrastructure portfolio holder councillor Andy Richards has called for a report on school “drop off and pick up” zones throughout City of Greater Geelong.
Cr Richards said the report should document issues and problems with traffic planning for schools while reporting recommendations for improvements.
“This is a big problem at the moment and I’ve heard a number of horror stories,” Cr Richards said.
“There are cars lined up on the kerb and on the outside of that another row of cars are double-parked with kids running in between.
“It’s not good enough.”
Cr Richards encouraged his council colleagues to “carefully consider” improvements and suggestions for the report.
He wanted it finished by June.
“It’s always good when we get new facilities like school buildings and kindergartens but sometimes it changes the nature of traffic entering and exciting the area,” he said.
“We’re experiencing traffic problems across the city in this regard.”
Cr Richards said tougher “policing” of school traffic could cause frustration and slight delays for parents during drop off and pick up times but would be worth the effort.
“I’d rather cop the flak than have a situation where children are put at further risk by us not policing the situation.”
Councillor Barbara Abley supported the report push, saying safety outside schools was “paramount”.
“Parents often lose their cool very quickly in this situation and leave their brains at home,” Cr Abley said.
Councillors will vote on whether to initiate the report at an upcoming council meeting.
