The Northern Beaches Council is currently implementing a new pedestrian safety program, with an ongoing trial which began in March 2021, in cooperation with Collaroy Plateau Public School and other schools.
Using funding from the Commonwealth government’s Federal Stimulus – School Infrastructure Program, the $8.57 million safety upgrades will affect a total of 32 schools across the Northern Beaches over the next twelve months. Among the first two institutions slated for inclusion are Manly West and Collaroy Plateau Public School.
According to Mayor Michael Regan, pedestrian safety is a top priority and the program should speed up the improvements or replacements of existing school pedestrian crossings; introduce new footpaths and user paths; as well as implement safety infrastructure such as kerb ramps.
“This is an exciting program which will ensure we improve safety for our kids and community around our schools,” says Mayor Regan. “We have been working on a Safer Schools program for some time with the school community to identify hotspot areas which need urgent safety upgrades.”
Some of the proposed upgrades include the raising and/or relocation of pedestrian crossings. This will contribute to community safety by increasing the visibility of the crossings and the people using them while forcing vehicles to slow down as they approach.
Those interested in following the program or providing feedback can do so by visiting YourSay.
