Speed signs for Wandin Primary

By Kath Gannaway
WANDIN North Primary School is finally to have the protection of electronic speed limit signs.
The installation of the signs on the busy Warburton Highway comes after a two-year campaign by the school and Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe.
Ms Fyffe announced last week that the signs were to be installed soon and said she was hoping they would be in operation for the students’ return from school holidays.
She said she had been informed by VicRoads of the impending installation but added it should have been done much sooner.
“In conjunction with Wandin North Primary I have fought for the last two years to get the electronic speed limit lights installed. Wandin North should have been one of the first schools to get the flashing lights,” Ms Fyffe said.
The Mail reported in May 2007 the school council president Michelle Reid had expressed the school’s disappointment that while Yarra Junction and Launching Place primary schools had had the electronic signs installed, their school was seen to be a lesser priority.
Ms Reid pointed out at the time that the school’s location just after a steep hill made it imperative that drivers be warned of the need to slow down.
Ms Fyffe said the road outside Wandin North Primary was well known for drivers who speed.
“The police have been monitoring this stretch of road routinely to help combat the problem of speeding motorists during peak school crossing times,” she said.
The lights will be installed as part of the State Government’s Arrive Alive school speed signs initiative.
After asking a Question on Notice in October 2007, Ms Fyffe received a response from the Minister for Roads and Ports in February 2008 saying that VicRoads was in the process of preparing a statewide contract for the delivery of works under a program to install electronic speed limit signs at school speed zones.
Ms Fyffe said it is anticipated that the installation of the electronic speed limit signs will vastly improve the safety of students who walk to Wandin North Primary and use the school crossing.
“Parents of students who walk to Wandin North Primary will be heaving a collective sigh of relief at this announcement,” she said.