Petition Review and implement enhanced safety measures around schools

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the need for the urgent review and implementation of enhanced safety measures around schools to prevent vehicle-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Recent incidents involving vehicles crashing through school gates and fences, resulting in the deaths and serious injuries of children, teachers, and staff, have highlighted a critical gap in our current safety infrastructure.

In the past few weeks, several tragic incidents have occurred where vehicles have breached the perimeter of school grounds, endangering the lives of children, teachers, and other school staff. These accidents have resulted in fatal and life-altering injuries. This alarming trend underscores the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals in and around school environments.

Funding needs to be allocated to retrofit high-risk schools, prioritising those in areas with frequent traffic accidents near school zones. The Government should partner with local councils and safety organisations to raise awareness and develop new guidelines for school infrastructure and urban planning that minimise vehicle risks. Enhancing road safety enforcement in school zones with clearer signage, reduced speed limits, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws to protect children and educators should also occur.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to take immediate action to improve school safety by reviewing current safety standards for school perimeters, addressing gaps in protection from vehicle incidents, mandating safety measures around all schools, especially near busy roads and enhancing road safety enforcement in school zones.