St Rita’s College students offered counselling after girl hurt in crash with student driver

A Brisbane private schoolgirl was taken to hospital after being struck by a vehicle driven by a senior school P-plater, with the crash prompting complaints over “traffic chaos” from residents.

A St Rita’s College schoolgirl was taken to hospital after being struck by a vehicle driven by a senior school P-plater with the crash prompting complaints from neighbouring residents.

College principal Dale Morrow confirmed the crash involved a senior school student driver and a middle school pedestrian and praised the actions of those who rushed to the scene.

Queensland Ambulance Service said a patient had been assessed for minor injuries about 8.05am on Thursday and later taken to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in a stable condition.

P-platers causing ‘traffic chaos’ outside St Rita’s College in Clayfield. Picture: Tara Croser.

Queensland Police officers attended the incident, however a spokeswoman said no charges were laid and that it remained under investigation.

Mrs Morrow said the incident was witnessed by students and that their welfare, and those involved, was the college’s immediate priority.

“Both families were contacted during the day to check on the welfare of the two students,” Mrs Morrow said.

“Students who were experiencing distress by the crash have been helped by their heads of house or college counsellors.”

Mrs Morrow said neither student was hurt despite one being taken to hospital.

“The safety of our students and everyone in the college community is our highest priority and I am grateful that no harm came to the two young students involved,” she said.

The crash triggered a complaint from an Enderley Rd resident who said the ritzy street was plagued by student drivers taking up premium parking space and creating “traffic chaos” at pick up and drop off times.

“There are ample public transport options, school charters or parents could drop them off,” the resident said.

“These drivers take every available park and cause chaos.”

The resident said a timed parking metres could discourage students from parking in the area but said it would not bring significant change.

Emergency services on Enderley Rd, Clayfield after a St Rita's student was hit by a P-plater on Thursday.

Mrs Morrow said St Rita’s College had been working with Brisbane City Council and the community to ensure efficient traffic management was provided.

She said the school had staggered pick up times for Year 5 students, assisted crossing on Enderley Rd, timed buses and continued communication with parents regarding the pick up and drop off zones, and several other options.

“We thoroughly respect our students’ and families’ right to choose how they travel to and from school,” Mrs Morrow said.

“And we will continue to do everything we can to ensure efficient traffic management in and around our school while respecting our neighbours, and most importantly keeping our students safe.”

It was understood there had been seven reports regarding a lack of on-street parking around St Rita’s College in the past 12 months alone.

Council’s civic cabinet chair for infrastructure Andrew Wines said he recognised the need to improve parking around the college but said it was a complex issue.

“We are currently discussing with the community the possibility of introducing time-restricted parking on streets around the college during school hours on school days,” Cr Wines said.

“This consultation will close next week. From there we will review the feedback and work towards achieving a safer and more suitable parking arrangement around this school.”

The time-restricted parking proposal includes:

- two hour restricted parking from 8.30am-3pm on school days only

- six, time-restricted, on-street parking bays within Florence Street

- four, time-restricted, on-street parking bays within Craven Street

- four, time restricted, on-street parking bays within Enderley Road

- six, time-restricted, on-street parking bays within Liverpool Road

- four, time-restricted, on-street parking bays within Enderley Avenue

- two, time restricted, on-street parking bays within Stewart Street.