Talk back was into school zones this after noon but it appears that the new roads minister was unavaiable.
With ferries, buses ,toll tunnels and all the other problems I don't think he wants to be pressed on this matter.
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One caller , a businessman mentioned the RTA's reluctance to use his flashing lights.
I'm against hi tech lights.(see SOLAR POWER FOR SCHOOL ZONES WHY? CATEGORY)
I typed a draft e-mail meant for the new roads minister Roozendaal.
It needs work but here tis (I hope it explains what I think is needed)
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Dear Mr Roozendaal,
Congratulations on your appointment as Roads Minister, a portfolio that certainly will have its rewards and challenges.
I have written to your predecessors concerning school zones and the need to make drivers aware of school zone times, using flashing lights.
All the signage and road marking as used now and even speed cameras aren’t working as envisaged, even by the RTA.
I noticed today on a roadside billboard that police are targeting school zones and the Daily Telegraph reported that 1500 drivers were caught in one day recently.
That number, was only at school zones that were monitored by police that one day
How many other drivers were potentially endangering children by being unaware that it was school zone time, at all the other schools throughout the state, and do so each and every school day.
I realize the cost to install flashing lights at all NSW schools would be astronomical and there are so many other pressing claims on the public purse
.It would be so good if you could put on an extra 1000 police, build new hospitals, more prisons, trains and ferries, more FREE freeways, but the money has to come from somewhere.
Not only is there the initial installation cost of the lights, but maintenance, especially if the solar powered model is chosen. (Replacing of storage batteries, solar panels also storm damage and theft.)
Expensive or “green” doesn’t always make it better
All that’s needed are two simple bright (safe)24 volt orange flashing lights on each sign, powered from the school using a suitable transformer and timer, even with the ability for the teachers to utilize the warning lights when children at other times are embarking on buses for excursions and the like.
Mr Tripodi mentioned the idea of businesses sponsoring lights. (An idea I wrote about, to two top business people about 18 months ago, sadly with no reply)
My idea was to perhaps have an advertising “tag” such as for example, “Sponsored by Coda Batteries Sylvania.” Or “Bunnings for hardware”
Drivers would see the flashing lights and the “tag” and feel good about the business that reminded them. Good for the children, the motorist and the business, a win, win situation and good for the RTA /GOV.

Unhappy drivers are unhappy voters.

The RTA could raise objection to advertising on their signs but to have the lights installed to the normal RTA standard would be very expensive and, I feel unnecessary.
They need to keep it simple, not end up with over priced and an over engineered solution that’s only really needed 3 hours/5days a week for nine months a year.
It needn’t be much different from what all government buses have now, “when lights are flashing its 40km/h”
I have no business interest; I just want to help the average motorist and our children
What do you think of simple non-distracting “product recognition” type advertising to help pay for the flashing lights?
Thank you
Yours Faithfully.....
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My reason for school zone sata ie explained in the "About school zone santa" category.