South Wales Gov to slow school zone traffic by Cameras

Speed cameras, warning lights proposed to slow school traffic

The New South Wales Government has announced a series of new measures to improve safety in school zones.

High visibility warning lights and speed cameras will be rolled out to 100 schools around the state by the end of the year.

Motorists can also expect harsher penalties for driving offences in school zones.

NSW Minister for Roads Eric Roozendaal says the announcement comes after a lengthy trial period.

"The Government has only just completed an assessment of the trial of flashing lights in 43 schools," he said.

"Discussions with various stakeholders including the police, pedestrian council and NRMA were only completed late yesterday afternoon."

But Opposition spokesman for roads Andrew Stoner says while it is a step in the right direction, it has taken too long for the measures to be put in place.

"At long last, the State Government has announced flashing lights in school zones," he said.

"It's a pity that it's taken more than three years and numerous accidents before the imminent election has prompted some action."

Earlier in the week the Opposition Leader, Peter Debnam, accused the Government of engaging in political spin for not announcing the school safety package earlier.

During a press conference on Thursday, Premier Morris Iemma said the Government had a plan but would not give any details.

Mr Debnam said the Government was not making the announcement because it wanted to get a bigger headline in the weekend newspapers.

Today the story is featured on the front page of the Sunday Telegraph.

But Mr Roozendaal says the school safety package was not ready to be released until today.