28 Oct 2020
As you know, I recently asked parents, teachers and residents about how we can improve pedestrian and cyclist safety for our kids around local schools as part of the NSW School Safety Survey.
We had a fantastic result and I am delighted to be able to share the results of the survey with you. Please find attached a copy of the Newcastle results.
Key concerns raised in the report included:
- lack of and safety around pedestrian crossings;
- poor transport services and connection; and
- parking issues.
I am eager for your feedback to ensure the School Safety Report reflects your concerns and priorities. I would be grateful if you could review the report and provide any additional concerns which you think require attention.
The benefits of encouraging kids to walk and ride to school are clear, but families can’t make the most of those benefits unless our streets are safe.
Sadly, only 30% of kids walk or ride to school compared to 75% forty years ago. By listening to community feedback, the State Government and local council can make essential improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety around our schools. This will allow parents to feel confident in letting their kids walk and ride to school.
The findings of the survey are pivotal in helping me lobby local councils, the State Government and other stakeholders to make safety improvements to protect our children.
In addition, we know from the School Safety Survey that half of all parents won’t let their kids walk or ride to school because of unsafe crossings around schools. Following the community’s and Labor’s strong advocacy on this issue, the NSW Government has agreed to bring forward its commitment to hire 300 new crossing supervisors at NSW schools.
Schools across the Newcastle electorate can apply now.
Crossing supervisors improve safety by slowing traffic, increasing surveillance and helping teach kids (and their parents) safer road habits. They can make a huge difference to road safety around our schools and I encourage you and your school to take advantage of the Government’s announcement and apply.
Requests for additional crossing supervisors must come from the school principal, so if there is a school crossing you believe needs a supervisor, I encourage you to discuss this with your principal. I have also sent information regarding this program directly to school principals.
If you have any questions about the additional crossing supervisor roles or the School Safety Survey, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Again, thank you for taking the time to be involved in this project and I am eager to work with you to improve safety around our local school.
Yours sincerely
Tim Crakanthorp MP
Member for Newcastle
414 Hunter Street Newcastle NSW 2300
T: 4926 1126 E: newcastle@parliament.nsw.gov.au