Serpell Primary School traffic leads to student safety fears

There has been a spate of minor traffic incidents and near-misses but video of a dodgy driver impatiently overtaking a stationary car outside this Manningham primary school was the final straw, with police now called in. WATCH VIDEO HERE.

STOP: Concerns have been raised about children's safety at pick-up and drop-off times at Serpell Primary School, with issues with traffic and parking congestion reaching breaking point. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Police have been asked to crackdown on unsafe driving outside Serpell Primary School as frustrations over traffic congestion reach boiling point.

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The move comes after footage of a ute overtaking a stationary car and speeding down the wrong side of Tuckers Rd was provided to the Manningham Leader last week.

Manningham Council has asked police to step in and will meet with school staff to discuss the issue.

Concerns have been raised about children's safety at pick up and drop off times at Serpell Primary School. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Nunawading highway patrol Sergeant Simon Webb confirmed there had been a spate of minor incidents and near-misses.

In one such incident, a Land Rover was rear-ended at low speed about 9am on March 6.

The 40-year-old female driver received minor injuries, while two passengers, girls aged 7 and 11, were unhurt. No ticket was issued to the other driver, a 71-year-old Doncaster East woman who was not injured.

Sgt Webb said drivers needed to be particularly mindful of children on foot in the vicinity of the school.

“There have been lots of near misses and there's concern from parents and teachers. Drivers need to be aware that not all school kids are road savvy,” he said.

The school’s enrolment has grown to 1000 students in recent years. An active travel plan is now in place, encouraging students to walk at least part of the way.

The council’s acting director of city services Helen Napier said: “The active travel plan has seen a reduction in congestion and in the number of students arriving to school by car.”

Serpell Primary School did not respond to a request for comment.