Drivers are being urged to slow down around schools as new time-based 40km/h speed limits roll out across Adelaide, starting with Marryatville High School today, followed by Goodwood Primary and St Thomas School tomorrow.
The initiative, led by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, aims to improve student safety during drop-off and pick-up times. On Kensington Road near Marryatville High, motorists must now reduce their speed between 8am–9:30am and 2pm–4pm on school days. Similar measures will take effect on Goodwood Road from Tuesday.
Electronic and static signs have been installed, along with upgraded safety cameras, to ensure compliance. The pilot schools were selected based on factors including traffic volume, speed, proximity to main roads, and past crash data—particularly after a serious incident near Marryatville High in 2023.
Education Minister Blair Boyer said, “Today, South Australia takes an important step towards improving safety for children walking to and from school,” and “By lowering speeds when students are arriving and leaving school, we’re giving drivers more time to react, preventing tragedies before they happen.”
SAPOL Traffic Services Superintendent Shane Johnson echoed the message.
“Drivers must always keep an eye out for our vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists particularly around school zones.” He emphasised the importance of the new limits and the need for drivers to remain vigilant, stating, “It could mean the difference between a life lost or life-changing injury.”
The rollout will expand to 25 additional schools before the end of the year, with more than 150 schools expected to have new 40km/h zones by the end of 2026.
This project is jointly funded by the $168 million National Road Safety Program and $2.36 million from the 2024–25 State Budget, forming part of a broader campaign to make South Australian roads safer for young pedestrians.
This careful implementation of targeted speed limits around schools signifies a well-thought-out strategy aimed at bolstering the safety of young pedestrians and forming a safer traffic environment around educational institutions.
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