ABUSE directed towards crossing supervisors needs to stop this year, Kingston mayor Jenna Davey-Burns says.
Kingston Council manages 83 school crossings. It says last year it received multiple reports of cars running red lights, abuse directed towards crossing supervisors, and speeding.
With school returning this week, the mayor is urging parents to exercise caution. Davey-Burns said, “we are again urging drivers slow down around our school crossings to keep our kids safe.”
“Alongside our school communities we are pushing the importance of safe driving around our local schools, especially at drop-off and pick-up times. Council manages 83 school crossings, and our hardworking crossing supervisors have witnessed many frightening traffic incidents. Sadly, a few have even reported being subjected to verbal abuse from irate drivers,” Davey-Burns said. “This type of behaviour on our roads and particularly around our schools is distressing, downright dangerous and simply won’t be tolerated. As we enter the new school year, we want to foster a new level of respect – respect between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, respect for our supervisors and respect for the road rules.
“The scary thing is that only takes a split second for something to go really wrong. Rushing around only adds to your stress, so try something different this year. Let’s be safe and respectful around our schools.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 31 January 2024