Trial shared zone at school

THERE will be no zebra crossing for Warwick State High School.

Picture: Warwick Daily News Archives

THERE will be no zebra crossing for Warwick State High School after the majority of Southern Downs regional councillors ruled in favour of extending the already existing shared zone on Palmerin St to the roundabout on Victoria St.

The 25kmh zone will be trialled for the next 12 months.

The issue was brought to the table in May when the council reviewed video surveillance of the area.

At the meeting they decided to consult with the high school, the parent and friends committee of the school and affected businesses.

The parents and friends committee said it wanted a zebra crossing installed on Palmerin St near the Supa IGA Warwick.

A zebra crossing there would take away 11-13 on-street car parks and the majority of local businesses were against such a crossing.

But submissions from some of the businesses said they would support a trial of a 25kmh zone.

Cr Jo McNally said she had concerns about a shared zone.

"I don't like the idea of a shared zone, not with children usually texting while walking," she said.

Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley disagreed.

"It is already treated as a shared zone, so why not just make it official?" he said.

Cr Jamie Mackenzie suggested a temporary pedestrian crossing was the better option.

Engineering services director Peter See said a temporary pedestrian crossing would still require spending money on the lines and everything else associated with it.

Cr Mackenzie failed to gain the majority vote.

Crs Glyn Rees, McNally, Mackenzie and Cameron Gow were against the trial of the shared zone.

The decision still has to be ratified at next week's general meeting.

Originally published as Trial shared zone at school