No parking zones in Erne Street adjoining Mulwala Public School have been altered with motorists urged to take note of the changes and adhere to the new rules.
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A number of new no stopping signs have been erected on both sides of the road approximately 15 metres from the Melbourne Road/ Erne Street intersection and a matter of metres on the west side of the children’s crossing.
The new signs have been changed from two no stopping intervals of 8am-9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm to a full eight-hour no stopping time of 8am-4pm.
Line painting on the children’s crossing on Erne Street was also reconditioned to New South Wales RMS and council standards.
Mulwala Public School SLSO and P&C Committee member Seona Wheeler said it was important local residents were aware of the changes to the parking alongside the school.
“A major issue we keep having is that people keep stopping in the no stopping area and close to our school crossing, we need more people to be aware of the signage and where to and not to park,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Cars often turn down Erne Street and park close to the intersection, so they can quickly duck into the post office; even without the no stopping signs it is illegal to do that because it is close to the intersection.
“We (Mulwala Public School) initiated some new signage and children’s crossing line markings with Federation Council to bring everything up to standard and for the safety of the students.
“We regularly have children using the crossing during school hours (9-3pm) either for excursions to businesses or the lake.
“The recent works that have been done have all been for the safety of the students.”
As another avenue to safety for students and convenience for guardians, staff attempt to keep the parking lane along Melbourne Road vacant in drop off and pick up times.
“We try to make sure the parking along Melbourne Road at the front of the school stays uncongested, so guardians can drop off their children easily and see them get through the gate,” Ms Wheeler said.
“There is also a vacant piece of land across from the school on Erne Street where we advise guardians to park, so students and/or adults can then use the children’s crossing to enter the school.”
Mulwala Police Sergeant Grant Churchin said police have been patrolling the area on the lookout for motorists parking where they shouldn’t but said police would rather motorists be educated rather than issued a fine.
On May 8, Mulwala police conducted an enforcement operation in Erne Street concerning the new parking conditions.
Four drivers were issued a warning and informed of the new parking conditions.
“We prefer to educate drivers of the new conditions instead of issuing fines,” Sergeant Churchin said.
“Hopefully the message has got out about the new conditions and there will be no more instances of drivers disobeying the clearly displayed signs.”
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said council was pleased to work with the Mulwala Public School to implement new signage and upgrade crossing line markings.
“Council hopes the latest works will prompt road users to be better aware of their surroundings and follow the rules implemented for the safety of all,” Cr Bourke said.
“Council takes road safety very seriously and works such as this fall under our Road Safety Action Plan which provide council with a framework and direction so that we can achieve: reductions in road trauma and associated costs to the local community, clear road safety actions and strategies for council and the community, improved community relations through increased publicity and better understanding of community concerns, consideration of road safety at the road design and planning stage and efficient use of federal and state road safety funding.
“Safety of our residents is paramount and council will continue to support the community in assisting to provide safe road passages, especially around our schools.”