High visibility signs, with lights that flash when school zone speed limits are active, will be rolled out across the State under an LNP Government.

LNP Leader John-Paul Langbroek and Shadow Minister for Transport Fiona Simpson said the LNP would commit $10 million over four years to improving the visibility of speed limit signs in school zones.

Ms Simpson said school communities had supported the widespread introduction of the flashing school zone lights following a discussion paper she issued last year calling for feedback.

“There is overwhelming support for warning lights to be included in school signs — with motorists telling me that it is a ‘worthwhile investment’ and that the ‘lives of our children deserve more than they are getting at the moment’,” Ms Simpson said.

“The flashing school zone lights act as an active reminder for drivers to slow down. Research shows about 60 per cent of motorists who speed through school zones have forgotten what time of day it is and the fact these zones are active. The onus is still on drivers to remember and slow down, but this will help.

“Schools with a significant crash history, a high level of car and pedestrian traffic, higher speed limits or visibility problems will be among the first schools to receive the electronic signs.

Mr Langbroek said: “The $10 million commitment will ensure that at least 75 Queensland schools will receive the flashing school zone signs each year.

“The LNP has been listening to the community and is committed to improving the safety of children near schools.”.

“More than 10,000 motorists were fined for speeding through school zones in 2007-08 — we need to make sure that confusion over school zone times does not place children’s lives at risk. 

“In the few locations the Queensland Government has installed flashing school zone lights, the signs have been a great success in reducing speed. 

“It’s time that this program was expanded across the state to protect all school children,” he said.