RAA has highlighted the school pedestrian crossings with the highest incidences of red-light violations, urging drivers to exercise increased caution as the new school term starts.
The worst offender is the crossing on Portrush Road, Linden Park, where an alarming 3,475 red-light breaches were recorded between 2020 and 2024. This location is particularly critical due to its proximity to Linden Park Primary School and Glenunga International High School.
Other hazardous spots include crossings on Kensington Road, near Marryatville Primary, with 1,872 recorded offences; Marion Road, near Ascot Park Primary, with 1,725 offences; and Goodwood Road, near Goodwood Primary, with 1,451 offences. These statistics highlight ongoing safety concerns at these high-risk areas.
In contrast, the pedestrian crossing on Kensington Road, near Marryatville High School, saw a significant reduction in violations, with only 40 offences recorded in 2024.
This improvement follows the introduction of enhanced safety measures at this location in 2023, including red and white striped pole wraps, updated signal face target boards, and early warning signs. These modifications have visibly improved driver compliance and heightened awareness of the crossing.
Charles Mountain, RAA’s Senior Manager for Road Safety, stressed the importance of vigilant driving near schools.
“With thousands of children returning to school today, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant and aware around schools,” he stated.
The recurring high offence rates at certain crossings underscore the necessity for ongoing focus on these areas.
“It’s alarming that motorists continue to run red lights at pedestrian crossings near schools, and it’s important to remember children are some of our most vulnerable road users,” Mr Mountain added.
He welcomed the government’s commitment to funding road safety enhancements around schools and advocated for further safety measures similar to those successfully implemented near Marryatville High School.
Mr Mountain also reminded drivers of the need to adhere to special road rules in school zones. He noted, “Ensure you’re observing the 25km/h speed limit when children are present in school zones, and remember these speed limits apply whenever children are present, even out of school hours, including weekends.”
The call for improved driver behaviour comes amid ongoing efforts to safeguard children in school zones, which remain high-risk areas due to the combination of dense vehicular traffic and pedestrian activity, particularly during school hours. The discrepancy in compliance rates across different sites also suggests the effectiveness of targeted road safety enhancements, which could serve as a model for similar initiatives at other locations.
As the community responds to these concerns, RAA continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing road safety strategies. Their ongoing work, supported by over 820,000 members, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing safety and awareness on South Australian roads, ensuring a protective environment around school zones.
For detailed insights and further information on road safety initiatives, members of the public can refer to the RAA website or contact their Media Line directly.
WHAT: School crossings in SA with highest red light violations
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