St Bede’s student hit by car on Beach Rd

A St Bede’s boy has been rushed to hospital after being struck by a car on Beach Rd, prompting renewed calls to lower the speed limit on the busy thoroughfare.

A boy is in hospital after being hit by a car outside St Bede’s in Mentone. Picture: David Geraghty

A student at St Bede’s College is in hospital after being struck by a car after school on Wednesday afternoon.

The student was hit on Beach Rd in front of the Mentone campus, prompting renewed calls for the road to be a 40km/hr zone.

He was taken to hospital via ambulance with a broken fibula and tibia, and may require surgery.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for the speed to be lowered to 40km/h along Beach Rd. Picture: Supplied

A letter to parents from principal Deb Frizza and deputy principal Mark Jones sent on Thursday said the student’s mother “has extended her sincere appreciation to the college students, staffs and paramedics who assisted at the scene”.

The letter offers a reminder to students to cross all roads, and especially Beach Road, carefully.

“While the importance of road safety has been discussed on many occasions between our college and our students, we wish to reinforce that each student always takes a very mindful approach to their personal safety, most especially around busy and congested roads,” the letter said.

The school’s leaders reminded students to use crossing lights when it is safe, look both ways, not wear headphones while walking or riding and to not use a smartphone while walking or riding.

“We strongly recommend that these messages are always shared at home, as well as at school.

“To further improve the road safety in the area, we are requesting to Kingston Council and VicRoads for an extension of the 40km/h zone on Beach Rd to ensure it covers the length of our Mentone Campus. We will keep you informed on this matter as it progresses.”

A parent from the school said there was an urgent need for Beach Road to have a 40 km/hr school zone. Students from the school regularly cross the road to access the beach and foreshore area.