Pascoe Vale station schoolchildren danger hot spot

The most dangerous crossing for schoolchildren in the state is almost 1km away from its nearest school.

Despite sitting almost 1km from its nearest school, Pascoe Vale station is the most dangerous railway crossing for children in Melbourne.

The station was named at the top of the State Government’s list of 10 hot spots for safety incidents at railway level crossings involving schoolchildren last week.

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Figures from Public Transport Victoria showed the station had 32 registered incidents since July involving schoolchildren, higher than next closest Yarraville on 28.

The crossing at Pascoe Vale station. Picture: Google street view

The government has created a task force in conjunction with police, protective services officers and Metro staff to visit children in schools and improve safety.

Pascoe Vale Primary is the nearest primary school to the station and principal Anne Naughton said workshops at the station wouldn’t benefit students.

She said eduction at busy school crossings on Cumberland and Gaffney streets would be of greater benefit.

“We’ve been advocating for safer traffic management,” she said.

“(The station) is actually quite remote for our kids.”

Pascoe Vale is the nearest primary school to the station. Picture: Ellen Smith

Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne said the task force would work to empower children to become role models to fellow students.