❓ Dr. Woollard questions the removal of traffic wardens and the government's alternative safety measures for children crossing roads. The Minister responds by outlining the School Crossing and Road Safety Committee's (SC&RSC) review process and alternative safety options.
AnsweredQoN 2481Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(a) given that in 2005, one traffic warden was removed from service, in 2006, twelve traffic wardens were removed from service and, so far, in 2007, three have been removed and more than 25 are under threat, why is the State Government removing so many traffic wardens and what alternative measures is the Government putting in place to safeguard children who need to cross busy roads;
(b) on 10 May 2007 the Minister advised Parliament that the School Crossing and Road Safety Committee determined whether traffic wardens were to remain at school sites and stated that the committee was independent; however, the committee reviews its own decisions to axe traffic wardens. Given this, what measures are currently in place to review these decisions independently and to look at any extenuating or mitigating circumstances;
(c) the report, ‘An Independent Review of the Children’s Crossings Programme (Western Australia)’ dated May 2005 recommended that an independent review committee be formed to look at extenuating and mitigating circumstances where crossing guards were under threat. Does the Minister intend to form that independent review committee and, if not, why not; and
(d) as there have been several accidents at a crossing location where the crossing guard has been removed, would the Minister consider replacing the crossing guard?
(b) on 10 May 2007 the Minister advised Parliament that the School Crossing and Road Safety Committee determined whether traffic wardens were to remain at school sites and stated that the committee was independent; however, the committee reviews its own decisions to axe traffic wardens. Given this, what measures are currently in place to review these decisions independently and to look at any extenuating or mitigating circumstances;
(c) the report, ‘An Independent Review of the Children’s Crossings Programme (Western Australia)’ dated May 2005 recommended that an independent review committee be formed to look at extenuating and mitigating circumstances where crossing guards were under threat. Does the Minister intend to form that independent review committee and, if not, why not; and
(d) as there have been several accidents at a crossing location where the crossing guard has been removed, would the Minister consider replacing the crossing guard?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 August 2007
Responded by
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Response time
54 days
(a) The School Crossing and Road Safety Committee (SC&RSC) reviews all children's crossings and issues warrants for the establishment of these. While some crossing warrants have been withdrawn through the review process, some have highlighted the need to upgrade a facility, or relocate the facility to a safer environment for both children and wardens. During the review process the school and parent body are also reminded of the importance of encouraging students to use the crossing.
The SC&RSC make a recommendation to withdraw the warrant from a children's crossing if it is under-utilised The SC&RSC seeks to actively assist the school or parent body to consider alternative safety options for children when the 'A' Type warrant is withdrawn.
Alternatives may include a 'B' Type warrant offered to the school or parent body; consultation with stakeholders, installation of exclusive pedestrian phases at traffic lights; traffic calming devices; proximity to parallel walks at traffic lights, lower speed zones, referral to the 'Walking School Bus' or 'Safe Routes to School' Programs
(b) - (c) The SC&RSC is independent of any individual agency due to the structure and process of the Committee. The Policy Committee reviews any appeal against the decisions of the Applications Committee in accordance with Recommendation 23 in the 2005 Review which states:
"
That the SC&RSC (Policy) become a Review Panel for appeals by applicants against the Application Committee recommendations for crossing warrants."
It is intended to expand the Policy Committee to include the Association of Independent Schools WA, Catholic Education Office WA, and Royal Automobile Club WA as recommended in the review.
(d)
The review and issuing of warrants for crossing locations is conducted by the SC&RSC.
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The SC&RSC make a recommendation to withdraw the warrant from a children's crossing if it is under-utilised The SC&RSC seeks to actively assist the school or parent body to consider alternative safety options for children when the 'A' Type warrant is withdrawn.
Alternatives may include a 'B' Type warrant offered to the school or parent body; consultation with stakeholders, installation of exclusive pedestrian phases at traffic lights; traffic calming devices; proximity to parallel walks at traffic lights, lower speed zones, referral to the 'Walking School Bus' or 'Safe Routes to School' Programs
(b) - (c) The SC&RSC is independent of any individual agency due to the structure and process of the Committee. The Policy Committee reviews any appeal against the decisions of the Applications Committee in accordance with Recommendation 23 in the 2005 Review which states:
"
That the SC&RSC (Policy) become a Review Panel for appeals by applicants against the Application Committee recommendations for crossing warrants."
It is intended to expand the Policy Committee to include the Association of Independent Schools WA, Catholic Education Office WA, and Royal Automobile Club WA as recommended in the review.
(d)
The review and issuing of warrants for crossing locations is conducted by the SC&RSC.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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