❓ Mr. Zempilas inquires about the risk assessment criteria for school crossings in WA, focusing on how these assessments influence the allocation of traffic wardens. The answer details the risk matrix used by WA Police, including variable weightings and risk categorisation.
AnsweredQoN 1602Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Traffic Wardens program at schools across Western Australia, and I ask: (a) What assessment criteria are used to determine the risk level of school crossings; (b) How are school crossings categorised or scored under any risk matrix used by WA Police; (c) Is the assessment criteria or risk matrix different for primary schools and secondary schools; and (d) How does the assessed risk level of a school crossing influence: (i) whether a traffic warden position is created or maintained at that location; and (ii) the prioritisation and timeframe for filling traffic warden vacancies at that location?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Police
Response time
1 days
(a) The Western Australia Polie Force determines the risk level of each school crossing using a comprehensive risk matrix that quantifies 21 separate variables. Each variable is assigned a score, and the combined total determines the overall risk rating for the crossing. The factors with the heaviest weightings in the assessment include:
(i) the number of pedestrians crossing;
(ii) the number of vehicle traffic;
(iii) the number of heavy vehicles;
(iv) the posted speed limit;
(v) the type of school (primary/secondary/other); and
(vi) crossing type (single/dual).
(b) The aggregated score is assessed against a risk assessment guide, which categorises each school crossing as low, medium, high or extreme risk.
(c-d) The risk matrix applies different weightings depending on type of school. Primary school crossings receive double the individual variable score weighting of secondary school crossings. This reflects the increased vulnerability and safety needs of younger children.
(i) the number of pedestrians crossing;
(ii) the number of vehicle traffic;
(iii) the number of heavy vehicles;
(iv) the posted speed limit;
(v) the type of school (primary/secondary/other); and
(vi) crossing type (single/dual).
(b) The aggregated score is assessed against a risk assessment guide, which categorises each school crossing as low, medium, high or extreme risk.
(c-d) The risk matrix applies different weightings depending on type of school. Primary school crossings receive double the individual variable score weighting of secondary school crossings. This reflects the increased vulnerability and safety needs of younger children.
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