School crossing ‘drive through’ reports rise in Geelong

Geelong school crossing supervisors are reporting increasing numbers of drive-through incidents, potentially endangering kids. SEE THE HOTSPOTS

School crossing supervisor Jade Szaran. Picture: Brad Fleet

Geelong school crossing supervisors are reporting increasing numbers of drive-through incidents, potentially endangering kids and prompting calls for motorists to keep children safe.

In the first half of the year, the City of Greater Geelong received 50 reports of drive throughs from crossing supervisors.

A drive through can involve amotorist going through the crossing when the supervisor has their stop sign out, is on the crossing, or there are other people on the crossing.

There were 35 reports received across last year from the supervisors, and 19 across 2021, when movement was more limited due to Covid rules.

City of Greater Geelong community service delivery executive director Robyn Stevens said data was showing an alarming increase in school crossing drive throughs, with some motorists seemingly unaware of crossings or pedestrians.

With a new school term underway, the city is urging motorists to slow down, look up and be mindful of school crossings.

“An increase in traffic on the roads and too many motorists not abiding by the crossing rules is putting our community in real danger and placing a huge burden on supervisors to keep pedestrians safe,” Ms Stevens said.

“Our supervisors are trained in traffic management and are actively trying to manage traffic flows to minimise risk.

“However, careless driver behaviour is one area that they cannot control.”

Since 2021, the school crossings with the most drive through incidents reported were at Aberdeen St in Geelong West, Kensington Road in Leopold and Boundary Road, Thomson.

Council will trial strobe lighting on stop bats, which are the signs held by supervisors, in term three on crossings with high volumes of drive through reports.

It’s understood people have been injured due to drive-throughs at local school crossings in recent years.

The city is responsible for 178 crossings across public and private schools.

In a submission to a Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the impact of road safety behaviours on vulnerable road users, council said many “near miss” reports were being logged and investigations and reports completed.

It noted council was encouraging supervisors to send through reports, even with no car details, to help understand the seriousness of the risk.

Greater Geelong Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson said children were among our most vulnerable road users, which is why any reports of speeding in school zones were concerning.

“Police run regular dedicated road safety operations at schools in the Geelong area to make sure kids riding or walking to and from school are safe,” he said.

“This month Geelong Highway Patrol will run a week-long operation called Safe Kids, specifically targeting speeding in school zones.

“Whether you’re on four wheels, two wheels or on foot, everyone should be paying attention, acting responsibly and complying with the road rules.”

Geelong’s acting mayor Anthony Aitken. Picture: Supplied

Acting Geelong Mayor Anthony Aitken said the data was concerning and urged the community to stay alert and be aware of school zones when driving.

“Drivers need to be aware of the school zones in our municipality,” Mr Aitken said.

“It is illegal not to follow the speed limits imposed during school crossing operational time so please slow down and take notice of the school crossings and adhere to the directions given by our crossing supervisors.”

Originally published as School crossing ‘drive through’ reports rise in Geelong