School zone plan on pulse

A REDUCTION in the times school zones operate in Cairns will not place children at any more risk.

The zones are usually two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon.

It reduces the speed limit to 40km/h from 7-9am and 2-4pm.

But the council wants it changed so motorists are not held up for any longer than necessary, especially at peak hour each morning.

It is a real issue on Sheridan St at Cairns North outside Mother of Good Counsel School in the morning.

Traffic slows to less than a crawl and is backed up as far back as the Holloways Beach roundabout. It’s not such a problem in the afternoon, as it ends at 4pm before peak hour.

Other hot spots are McCoombe St outside Balaclava State School and Pease St at Edge Hill State School.

The one-hour reduction will improve the flow and lessen the anxiety and frustration for drivers.

It’s not creating a precedent either, as there are other cities which have also applied for variations ranging from one hour to 90 minutes.

It appears to be working well in Townsville on main roads where there are many schools.

There are about 36 schools with the speed limit zones in the Cairns region and council infrastructure services general manager Bruce Gardiner said he believed many would not object to the one-hour reduction.

Many of the schools have lollipop people to ensure children can cross the roads without risk as another safety measure.

The situation outside Mother of Good Counsel School cannot continue.

Let’s hope the schools and parents co-operate.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor