Motorists travelling past St Philip’s Christian College on Wine Country Drive may soon have to slow down to 40km/h during school drop-off and pick-up times.
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Cessnock City Council will write to state government representatives to seek support for a school zone on that section of road, following a notice of motion by councillor Di Fitzgibbon at the most recent council meeting.
Cr Fitzgibbon said the 80km/h zone past St Philip’s is “far too high” and raised safety concerns for the 1200 children and staff attending the school each day.
"I know it is a busy main road but so too are Aberdare, Maitland and Wollombi roads,” she said.
“There is no argument for treating them differently.
“At the very least it deserves the same consideration as our other wonderful local schools.
“In speaking with council officers I’m aware that RMS has certain restrictions relating to the application of school zones on their state road network, however given the unique situation at St Philip’s it is imperative that council seeks ministerial intervention to ensure the safety of our community.”
Cr Fitzgibbon expressed concern about traffic congestion at the intersection of Wine Country Drive and Lomas Lane (the school’s access road).
“The intersection and traffic arrangements are desperately in need of an upgrade,” she said.
Cr Fitzgibbon’s notice of motion at the April 19 meeting was supported 12 votes to one.
Cr Ian Olsen voted against the motion, saying there was not enough pedestrian traffic on Wine Country Drive to justify reducing the speed limit.
“There are no kids walking out there, it’s too far from town,” he said.
“The kids are getting into cars and buses, and the school’s front door is on Lomas Lane.
“Maybe we should ask RMS to make the intersection better?
“I can’t see the point of reducing the speed limit when children are not walking along that road.”
St Philip’s Christian College Cessnock principal Darren Cox said it was “fantastic” that council was pushing for a school zone to be implemented on Wine Country Drive.
“I am 100 percent supportive,” he said.
“Many parents have asked about a school zone there, because of safety.”
A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said school zones in NSW are placed on roads where there is direct access to a school and where high numbers of school children make their way to and from school.
“St Phillip’s Christian College has direct access from Lomas Lane, where a school zone is in place,” the spokesperson said.
“Any requests for a school zone would be assessed under the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines.”
