4333—SCHOOL ZONES FLASHING LIGHTS

Mr Jonathan O'Dea to the Minister for Roads—

1. What is the percentage of school zones that now have flashing lights installed in the:
   (a) Davidson Electorate; and
   (b) Sydney Metropolitan area?
2. How many signs are of the solar powered flashing type, and what is the rate of introduction of solar signs?
3. Why are the relevant times on all school zone signs not the same (eg. some start at 2pm while others start at 2.30pm)?

Answer—

I am advised:

1. (a) In the Davidson Electorate, three schools out of 30 schools have flashing lights installed, representing 10 per cent.
   (b) In the Sydney Metropolitan area, 164 schools out of 1,353 schools have flashing lights installed, representing 12 per cent. 
   It should be noted that one set of flashing lights may service more than one school.
2. There are 566 flashing signs installed throughout NSW of which 531 signs are solar powered.
   In general, solar powered is the preferred option and the RTA only uses mains power where solar power options are not viable.
3. Whilst it is acknowledged that schools operate at different times of the day, most school zones operate from between 8.00 am to 9.30 am and 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm.
   These morning and afternoon periods are when student activity around schools is highest. These standardised times seek to assist motorists to better recognise the need to slow down. There are a small number of non-standard school zone times in NSW where the school's starting or finishing times are outside the standard school zone times. Signs at these schools display the times that apply.