MP CALLS FOR COMMUNITY TO SIGN ON AND SHOW SUPPORT

FERNY Grove QLD 20th August 2013– Local MP Dale Shuttleworth cited improving the safety for students on roads around two Ferny Grove Schools as the main reason for a petition launched recently.

With support of the Principals from Ferny Grove State High School and Ferny Grove State School Mr Shuttleworth has launched a petition calling on Parliament to install flashing lights in the School Zone on Archdale Road and McGinn road which services both schools.

“Confusion apathy and inconsistencies around schools zones is putting our children at risk” Mr Shuttleworth said.

“Public Schools and Private School have different school terms and Primary School and High School have different start and finish times. We need these lights to send a clear message to motorists in our community.”

“The signs act as an extra reminder for parents and other motorists to slow down in and around school areas while young Queenslanders made their way to and from school.

Mr Shuttleworth has arranged for the petition to be available for signing at the school offices online and via his electorate office.

“The safety on the roads around schools are a high and I’ll continue to fight to have flashing school zone lights installed outside these two schools as a matter of priority.”

“The Newman Government is committed to the safety of all Queenslanders on our roads and flashing school lights will ensure an extra safety boost around school zones.”

“Motorists need to remember children are unpredictable when crossing streets and by slowing down you are diffusing a potentially dangerous situation.”

The Newman Government has committed $10 million over four years to install flashing school light at over 300 school zones.

Flashing lights announced earlier this year by Dale Shuttleworth for Grovely State School are scheduled to be installed in early November.

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Key Points
◾Petition can be signed online at http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2162
◾In 2012 there were 24842 fines issued in school zones – an increase of 44 per cent from 2011
◾Of the fines issued between January and December 2012 a concerning 317 were motorists travelling at more than 30km/h above the speed limit with 43 drivers travelling more than 40km/h above the speed limit.