A Shannons Flat farmer Peter Spencer on a property near Cooma NSW, is on a hunger strike because of laws that prevent him clearing and using his land.
HIS land!!!
Now because of a signature (not his) on a bit of paper, his land is now deemed a "carbon soak" and he can't manage HIS farm effectively and profitability.

Peter looking rather disheveled after now spending 34 days up a communications mast on a hunger strike to try and get fair treatment from the Government.

Why Peter is desperate:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Opinion/Farmers-are-pushed-beyond-limit/2005/06/17/1118869093828.html

Now you'd think that a farmer desperate enough to resort to a hunger strike would get attention from media, but no, apart from 2GB radio the other media has paid little attention

Alan Jones 2GB interview

http://agmates.ning.com/group/peterspencerhungerstrike/forum/topics/alan-jones-2gb-update-2nd

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A boat load of "refugees" are rescued in Indonesian waters, then these grateful queue jumpers REFUSED to get off the ship in an Indonesian port, so Mr Rudd's "Tough but humane" policy on illegal asylum seekers kicked in, and all were fast tracked into Australia and other countries.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/rapid-settlement-for-oceanic-viking-refugees/story-e6frg6nf-1225795930168
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My idea how to disembark these ship hijackers in Indonesia.

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2009/11/11/how_to_get_refugees_off_the_oceanic_viki

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I made up a sign and went to our Prime Minister's house

I drove onto the driveway so the photo could be taken, and very quickly it was intimated to me by a Federal Policeman from the other side of the gate that parking there wasn't a good idea.

I've just sent this email to 2GB's news room asking for help

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Original Message -----
From: stephens1510
To: newsroom@2gb.com
Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2009 8:19 AM
Subject: Help Peter Spencer

Hi,
Farmer Peter Spencer Near Cooma has be on a hunger strike up a tower for 35 days now.
Mr Alan Jones had him on air early December. Apart from 2GB the other media have practically ignored his plight and cause.( If he dies he might get a mention by the others)
They're trying to organize a demonstration at Kirrabilli house tomorrow, but as usual numbers are a problem, every one agrees but leave the work to others.
Alan coming from the land understands the unfairness of the situation with new laws about farmers land use.
Could 2GB help? Please ring me, Hans Stephens on 0403022559
I'm not a farmer, I'm a concerned citizen from Kirrawee, I'm just trying to help.
I took a big sign on my work van down to Kirrabilli house yesterday (and told to get off the drive) see it on main page www.schoolzonesanta.com
Regards
Hans Stephens,
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I wish Alan wasn't on holiday I'm sure he'd get on board.

Update: Sun 9.30 am no call from 2GB

I've just rung the call back line again but they "can't" put me through to the newsroom.
I tried to convey that it was inportant that PETER gets more publicity, even my having to ring 2UE.

She said she'd pass it on.

Good luck Peter.

I've tried.

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Update Sun 10am

I've had a call from 2GB's newsroom and I passed on the number of the demo organiser Ian Hampton 0400528115 for all the details.

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I rang and emailed 2GB because I know that Alan Jones being "off the land" is sympathetic to the plight of farmers, as shown with his interview of Peter and would expect 2GB to give support to a peaceful demonstration.

The other media has shown little interest in Peter starving up on his perch, but imagine if Alan took time out from his holiday (if he's in the country)and showed up to speak for Peter Spencer's cause at the demo.

That would attract attention I'm sure.

If I had Alan Jones' phone number I'd ring him.
He could say sorry but I can't be there, but at least I could ask.

If 35 days up a pole without food doesn't get media attention, a handful of people chanting "when do we want it" won't work either.

TO be continued......

Just dandy, it's school holidays with balmy nights and lots of bored kids..

To the rescue is Super cheap Auto with it's stock take "special gift lines," catalogue.

It's obviously a coincidence that from Boxing day till New Years eve, if one is over 18, you can stock up on handy paint spray cans.

5 cans for $10

As it was obviously a coincidence that during the TV broadcast of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 a "special" of 4 cans for $10 were highlighted throughout the race.

Who watches Bathurst and who does graffiti?

Bottom half of front page of latest catalogue.....

I know it's a legal product and you have to be over 18 to buy spray cans..

YOU HAVE TO BE OVER 18 TO BUY ALCOHOL, SO WHY WAS IT LAST WEEK DEEMED NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE HEAVY PENALTIES FOR SUPPLING GROG TO MINORS?

Good thing that older mates don't buy paint cans for their younger friends.

I've since removed the tinsel and added "Corporate responsibility?"

This sign was on the Princes Highway at Blakehurst to catch Southbound traffic for 4 days before someone removed it.

Instead of practically giving it away there should be a $5 "graffiti removal" levy on every can sold.

I emailed Barry O'farrell about graffiti earlier see "Graffiti" category for replies.

I have emailed the Sutherland Mayor I'm sure that she would also think that "giving" spray cans away is not showing corporate responsibility.
I'll wait for a reply and contact the papers and maybe get my van sign out (pictured below)

I'll think of something suitable

My seemingly irresponsible camera warning is explained in the "Beverly Hills" category.

For a couple of past messages see...

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2008/11/05/section_10_and_you_keep_your_points

Bad publicity gets attention.

I will email Bunnings and thank them that they don't see the need to bulk sell spray cans to earn a few extra dollars.

The Leader has printed my letter in today's edition word for word except for adding (former) Premier Rees

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/12/26/sin_no_more

After visiting 3 Police stations and speaking to rank and file police, (the ones that go out and do the work) they said that "Police cautions" in the main, are a waste of time and agreed that giving the parents of minors caught out at 2.30 am doing graffiti, a fine of $1000 would have more effect.

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VANDALS IN CRIME SPREE

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/vandals-in-crime-spree/1705634.aspx

More "Police cautions" needed........... obviously?

Maybe there'll be a Liberal anti-graffiti policy coming up.

It's the first time I've seen the opposition member for Miranda in the paper for a very long time, apart from mentions of his day job during footy season.

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/graffiti-vandals-dont-get-message/1695171.aspx

Here's common sense idea

Make offenders pay for damage they do

http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/make-offenders-pay-for-damage-they-do/1552548.aspx

Even though the NSW Premier has promised to get tough on graffiti, it doesn't seem to have deterred some.

This artistic effort has appeared up the road, is nothing but mindless wilful vandalism.

What will happen when those recently caught appear in court?

As I didn't get a reply to two emails to my Mayor Lorraine Kelly about graffiti, I'll go through the Leader newspaper's letters page to see if I get a response

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/12/26/sin_no_more

If ratepayers who pay for graffiti and other vandalism were informed in flyers included in with their rate notices, and a special mailout just before the next State election letting ratepayers/voters know how all local candidates stand on youth crime,and if they really care about young criminals running amok at night, there might be a bit of REAL action in Macquarie st

One reason the RTA has for using the "preferred" expensive flashing lights is that they are equipped with a "back to base" fault reporting function.
A necessary feature they say, so that units that break down can for the children's safety be repaired promptly.

These lights are on Forest rd Hurstville and this photo was taken at 2.50pm today a gazetted school day.

This unit has not worked since last Friday.

Why does it take this long if it takes to fix this one, when there are (relatively speaking), only a few of NSW's school zones that have flashing lights.

Teen arrested for malicious damage at Menai

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/teen-arrested-for-malicious-damage-at-menai/1676862.aspx

The Police have done their job but what will happen in court?

Mayor get's tough???

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/political/mayors-get-tough-call/1679887.aspx

Did the mayor tell Mr Rees that there have been 9 minors caught recently doing graffiti and all received Police cautions.
Has the mayor contacted other mayors to help get the "let off minors with a caution laws" changed?

Youths arrested over spray paint theft

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/youths-arrested-over-spray-paint-theft/story-e6freuz0-1225796941353

POLICE have charged two youths (15 and 16) with the theft of a large quantity of spray paint allegedly linked to a spike in graffiti offences in the Blue Mountains area in NSW.

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Graffiti arrest at Jannali 1.30am Thurs 12 nov.

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/graffiti-arrest-at-jannali/1675961.aspx

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13/11/09 Teens face graffiti charges after crackdown

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/teens-face-charges-after-graffiti-crackdown/story-e6freuz0-1225797431216

A graffiti blog site had this line about a Mitre 10 store in Paddington

"I've had so many young writers confront me outside the place asking me if i could buy them paint because they are under 18 !! Naturally i obliged, it's not like it's alcahol or anything !! "

Step 1 .......Place oily rags in a 44 gallon drum and position the drum near the ship's ventilation system.

Step 2 .......Set fire to drum making sure that the smoke gets around whole ship and can be seen from shore

Step 3 .....Have lots of fire alarms going with worried looking life- vested sailors running around, declare an emergency and evacuate ship.

and for "safety" reasons don't let them back on board and sail off back to Australia.

Will Police cautions here end up like in the UK?

"it was claimed that up to 40,000 assaults a year are dealt with by a caution issued by the police instead of the offender being prosecuted in court. In cases cited today, a 15-year-old boy was cautioned for rape and a man was given a caution after smashing a glass into a pub landlady's face."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/nov/09/jack-straw-police-cautions-review

Just missed out on Jail

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/graffiti-group-nabbed/1671749.aspx

How lucky were they that the Premier tough new jail laws weren't in yet

No reply as yet to my email about graffiti to my local MP Barry Collier.

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I emailed the Telegraph

(Yoursay Daily Telegraph 10/11/09)

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/12/26/sin_no_more

The letters editor "for space reasons" shortened my letter, see link above.

I sent Jason Morrisson at 2GB the four links of minors receiving "Police cautions" in the Sutherland Shire.

Supercheap Auto the graffiti vandals friend.

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2009/10/12/supercheap_auto_the_graffiti_vandals_fri

Links for newspaper stories about 3 lots of graffiti "artists caught and let go in the last 6 weeks.

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2009/11/02/title_67

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I emailed the opposition leader Barry O'Farrell
in June about graffiti.

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/12/29/common_sense

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/12/29/common_sense

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http://www.smh.com.au/national/spraycan-vandals-face-prison-under-crackdown-20091107-i2ss.html

We've had a gutful...NSW Premier Nathan Rees stands in Cox Lane, Toongabbie, near his home in Western Sydney. Juveniles must now have a legitimate reason for having spray paint on their person Photo: Adam Hollingworth

RTA "preferred" flashing lights installed today at The Boulevarde Gymea near The Princes highway.

Note the brake lights
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Peter Olsen's Flashing lights at Peakhurst

Note the brake lights.

THEY BOTH DO THE SAME JOB .... SLOW CARS

Which flashing lights are the the best value for the taxpayers dollar?

Peter Olsen's lights cost..........$350 each.

The RTA preferred lights cost...$58,125 each. (or 800 signs for $46.5M )

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC20070927015

What can I say?

Graffiti vandals sentenced to talking, tea and scones

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/graffiti-vandals-sentenced-to-talking-tea-and-scones/story-e6freuy9-1225794061401

"It makes me mad, but you can't tell teenagers anything - or you can, but they won't listen."

"they need discipline."

After reading the scone and jam article I emailed The Daily Telegraph

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/11/01/houston_i_have_a_problem

This bit was printed this morning

My original must've been a bit long.

I also emailed my local State Member Mr Barry Collier MP on Wednesday morning, I'll post a reply when I get one.

He as the member for Miranda must be dismayed with the leval of graffiti vandalism in his electorate.

This clever work in Oak road Kirrawee

To be continued.....

We are urged to "look out for vandals during the holidays"

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/look-out-vandals-about-in-holidays/1643621.aspx

Because graffiti vandals mainly sneak around at night to do their destructive rubbish, they are very rarely caught.

Although in the last few weeks four young graffiti grubs have been apprehended.

These two early October

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/teens-arrested-after-graffiti-found/1640896.aspx

"Police gave the teenagers OFFICAL CAUTIONS"

I don't read anywhere that the parents or the vandals cleaned the up mess, or paid for it to be done.

this young individual in Kirrawee

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/graffiti-teen-arrested/1660635.aspx

"The Sutherland boy was CAUTIONED under the Young Offenders Act."

and this one in September in Kirrawee

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/graffiti-youth-nabbed-with-help-from-the-public/1633388.aspx

and "the police gave him a youth caution"

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In Perth earlier this year:

This fellow needs a "Police Caution"

(Highlight and drag whole link into browser)

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/comments/0,21590,24958175-2761,00.html

.

To make it clear to a minor that illegal activity will not be tolerated this happened on Tuesday night

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/girl-15-cautioned-for-driving-stolen-car/story-e6freuz0-1225794530514
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I WENT TO A POLICE STATION TO ASK WHAT A "POLICE CAUTION" WAS.

I was told that if the person arrested and charged, admits to the crime, and agrees, then they get a police caution.

This consists of a talk, pointing out that what they have done, is bad

I suggested to the officer that maybe a fine of a $1000 to the parent of a minor caught doing graffiti might be more of a deterrent, and the parent would then perhaps keep a closer eye on what their child gets up to.

I said that if I mistakenly park in a disabled spot I can get fined $405, but someone caught doing thousands of dollars damage with a $2.50 can of spray paint, gets a talking to.

Obviously on the record the officer couldn't comment and they have to follow procedure, and explained that as the law stands that's all they can do.

"You should write to someone" the officer said.

"The Sutherland mayor hasn't replied to 2 emails* from me on this subject." I said.

Later:

I rang Sutherland Council and was put through to a graffiti person who agreed that as it is so hard to catch graffiti vandals that when you do they should be made an example of.
I popped into Rockdale Council and was told the same by council staff and a young Policewoman outside Kogarah Police station told me that young offenders treat police cautions as a joke.
A polite young Policeman at Miranda Police station, shall I say, didn't disagree with me that maybe a $1000 dollar fine for parents of minors caught graffiting, would be more of a deterrent than a "Police caution".
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Update Fri 6 Nov

* I wrote to the Mayor about TV advertising during the Bathhurst 1000

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2009/10/12/supercheap_auto_the_graffiti_vandals_fri

More about Supercheap Auto that in previous pages.

To be continued....

Two doors up from my place is a council "park" that used to have a climbing fort swings and a slide, but they were removed for some reason leaving only a seat.
Last night to make the streetscape better some grub has sprayed one fence

I've emailed the mayor twice recentily about graffiti matters and had ...NO Reply.

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2009/10/18/no_reply

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2009/10/21/feedback

Mayor Lorraine Kelly

Does the mayor really care about graffiti?

Fly spray in Summer, cold and Flu medicine in Winter.

Business targets a need.

Two weeks ago Supercheap Auto featured on a TV ad during the V8 Bathurst 1000 CHN 7 telecast, a "special" on 4 cans of spray paint for $10.

Aerosol paint spray cans are the weapon of choice for graffiti vandals. I wonder how many "4 for $10 cans" cans were bought from Supercheap stores while they were on special, and have been used for this illegal purpose?

Today during the Surfers Paradise V8 meet I notice on TV advertising during the race that Supercheap Auto also sells paint thinners.

Very handy to know, if your property has been graffitied.

Thank you Mr Supercheap.

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This van drove along side me on Parramatta rd on Friday

And I spotted this lady painting out graffiti same afternoon in Annandale.

Graffiti won't stop unless someone gets serious.

Update: 28 Oct.

No reply from my Mayor Kelly to my 2nd email.

For a person who publicly has a such a strong view against graffiti, you'd think sending me a couple of lines and pushing the reply button wouldn't be too much to ask.

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On the Kingsway Miranda

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No comment from my Mayor Cr Kelly about Super cheap Auto's help in the fight against graffiti.

I've sent her another email and also one to Supercheap.

----- Original Message -----
From: stephens1510
To: lkelly@ssc.nsw.gov.au
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:09 PM
Subject: Fw: graffiti and corporate responsibility

Dear mayor,
last monday I sent you (and after reading it back) a rather passionate email regarding graffiti and advertising.
Graffiti is a huge problem in the Sutherland Shire and when I saw spray paint cans advertised as a "special"during the Bathurst 1000 I was angry, as it's mainly young men that watch the race and mainly young men that do graffiti.
I was angry that money and profit trumps community goodwill.
Do you think that promoting a special on spray paint cans during the Bathurst 1000 telecast (even though legal) was a responsible thing to do considering the audience demographic of this V8 race?

Regards
Hans Stephens

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Would it hurt if the Sutherland Mayor publicly questioned the need to feature repeatedly, this "special" on spray cans by Supercheap Auto during the Bathurst 1000, which although legal wasn't helping in the battle against graffiti.

This house owned by Railcorp in Sutherland about 1 1/2 kl/mh from Sutherland Council Chambers was repainted by graffiti vandals.

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/350k-for-
eyesore/1651369.aspx

( Drag all of above link into your browser to view article)

I emailed Sutherland Mayor Cr Kelly last Monday about the spray paint bargains Supercheap Auto were spruiking during the Bathurst 1000 but obviously she doesn't share my concern.

Well not concered enough to push the reply button to me and say she'll as the Mayor of an area with a massive graffiti problem she would contact Supercheap Auto about their legal but maybe morally inappropriate marketing.

The Bathurst 1000 V8 car race is the NO 1 motor race in Australia.

Channel 7 did a magnificent job to bring the drama into my lounge room.

The necessary advertising was pitched at mainly the male market.

On a large track side SUPERCHEAP AUTO billboard (the main sponsor of the race) states that it has over 200,000 items in it's Australian stores.

Why out of 200,000 products, and from page 19 of it's 20 page "specials" catalogue did they have to feature the special on aerosol spray paint cans at

"4 CANS FOR $10."

Graffiti is costing untold millions and to advertise this product to an audience of mostly young males, obviously legal BUT..is it the right thing to do????

How many thousands of dollars damage can be done with $10 worth of spray paint?

I know it's a legal product and you have to be over 18 to buy it.

You can't buy alcohol either unless you're eighteen and have a look at whose off their face on the streets at night.

I emailed Supercheap Auto but no reply was forthcoming

Feel free to clean up your tags says mayor

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/feel-free-to-clean-up-your-tags-says-mayor/1643620.aspx
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This was on the Leader website

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Teens arrested after graffiti found
BY DAVID MCCOWEN
5/10/2009 10:41:00 AM
Sutherland police arrested two teenagers from Sutherland and Woronora on Friday for graffiti offences.
Police allege the male pair, aged 15 and 14, are responsible for graffiti sprayed on Railway Street, Jannali at 10.20pm on Thursday.

Police gave the teenagers official cautions for malicious damage, and possessing spray paint can with the intent to damage or deface property.

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Did the teenagers or maybe their parents clean off the damage or pay to do it?
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After three more letters about graffiti in the Leader, I sent in this one.

To: leaderletters@fairfax.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 10:19 PM
Subject: graffiti

Dear sir,
it seems that almost every issue of the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader has an article about the ever increasing scourge of graffiti.
I read on the Leader website that police arrested two teenagers and charged them with malicious damage and possessing a spray can with the intent to deface or damage property.
The male pair 14 and 15 year old were given "official cautions"
My question is wether they, or their parents were required to, or pay to have the "malicious damage" cleaned up?
Unless there are consequences, graffiti vandalism will only get worse.
Parents have to be made more responsible for what their offspring are up to.
Maybe parents would care what junior does at night if they were handed a $1000 bill for cleaning up graffiti vandalism.
Park unintentionaly in a diabled spot and it costs $405, forget the time and drive through a school zone and there goes your license, but sneak around and deface property and it's an "official caution" Get serious.

Regards Hans Stephens

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Sutherland Mayor Cr Kelly is right when she said,

"The State Government needs to look at the Young Offenders Act,'' she said.

"There should be more moves and more options to make offenders clean up their graffiti.''

In Willarong (South) just off Captain Cook drive Caringbah is a school zone fitted with a set of flashing lights

as you turn right off Capt Cook drive into Willarong the school zone sign is so close to the corner, the flashing lights so high, fitted with shields and although it also has the red cicle lit up, because drivers are busy making the turn, who sees them?

If you turn left from Capt. Cook drive, being are so close to the corner and so high that seeing them is nigh on impossible.

BUT yes you can get a very clear view of these flashing lights if you come across the intersection from Willarong South, BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE, as that road is blocked.

So instead of having this school zone sign and it's expensive flashing unit a bit further up the road where it can be seen,
No doubt it is installed at the "REGULATION" distance from the school and is practically useless.

I will email the new roads minister Mr David Campbell and see if he can get this flashing light unit moved to the Beverly Hills school zone sign (below) where it can do some good.

I have tried previously tried to get flashers there, and emailed Mr Roozendaal and his successor Mr Daly,.... with no result.

The archive page (below) shows my efforts to try and get an extra flashing unit.

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2008/11/21/beverly_hills_continued

The archive page (above) shows my email to Mr Daly, and all that came back from his office was,

To: stephens1510
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 9:34 AM
Subject: RE: Beverly Hiills School zone.

Dear Mr Stephens,

Thank you for your email to the Hon Michael Daley MP, Minister for Roads.

The Minister has arranged for the matters raised to be examined and a response will be provided as soon as possible.

Office of the Minister for Roads

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Mr Roozendaal's office only answered after this appeared in the Daily Telegraph....

The reply said they'd "look into it," and nothing has changed at Beverly Hills.

To be continued

As I told Jason Morrison on 2GB this morning whenever they announce new speed cameras they always say that the money from the fines isn't important, and they wouldn't care if no driver was fined.

To sound even more genuine, revenue from cameras was promised for spinal injury research

It's funny that even when millions are collected from just one speed camera this article was in the Telegraph this morning.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/superman-speed-camera-pledge-broken/story-e6freuyi-1225776080069

Speed cameras are all about safety.... not revenue ????

When I first stood in my Santa suit at the Kogarah school zone and waved my sign (Dec '04)I could see that South st entry to that school zone was a problem

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2004/12/

Drivers sit at the lights waiting for the lights, then turn right accelerate and flash.

As you turn right your attention is on turning right,looking at at getting around the centre medium strip, not on the school zone.

What is needed there opposite South st is a school zone sign facing South st with... you guessed it,..... "Flashing lights," to remind drivers waiting at the lights of the zone.

How many drivers have been caught after visiting patients at the hospital there and are thinking of a sick friend or relative while waiting for a green.

I have mentioned South st before,

http://schoolzonesanta.com/index.php/2007/01/

Today a customer, a local Kogarah businessman told me he had been caught by the camera recently after coming out of South st.

I will email and see if I can at least get a sign facing South st installed there.

If drivers continue to "speed" there it must continue to be a road safety issue for the school kids.

The NSW road toll is 63 higher than this time last year

http://livenews.com.au/news/speeding-targeted-after-nsws-horror-road-toll/2009/9/2/218099

So the answer it seems is more speed cameras

http://www.smh.com.au/national/mobile-camera-plan-to-cut-nsw-road-toll-20090724-dw63.html

Mobile speed cameras will slow drivers down but there also needs to be more highway patrol in unmarked cars, because cameras don't detect drugged, drunk, or unlicensed drivers.

The president of the NRMA, Wendy Machin, said a highly visible police presence was the best way to lower speeding. "Receiving an infringement notice in the mail a week or two after the fact is not an effective speeding deterrent," she said.
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IT was announced that we will get another 48 highway patrol in NEXT year's budget.

What's new, this is from Hansard 2007

"The Minister for Police seems to be in denial. He is almost parrot like in his statements to the House about how he will give us an extra 50 highway patrol police. His own superintendent, the man in charge of road safety in New South Wales, says he wants 400 officers, and clearly we need those 400 officers."

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LA20071205029

Fixed speed cameras don't need superannuation, holiday pay, sick pay and that's why they are the preferred option.

WHY DON'T ALL SCHOOL ZONES GET FLASHING LIGHTS?

FROM www.schoolzonelights.com.au

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQM9xthTpxA

This came in my inbox

(cut and paste didn't work)

I sent the email to Peter Olsen for a response and back came

As I said in a reply email to the "Concerned Citizen" if he/she would like to add anything more, I'll gladly post it here.

Why is it necessary to always have a ulterior motive to do anything?

Peter proved his lights at Lurgano and Peakhurst, could do a better job at a fraction of the cost of the RTA's "preferred" over engineered systems.

For undisclosed reasons the RTA has not used Peter's technology.

One question to the "concerned citizen"

Will you show this page to all the people that you have told about how that greedy Peter Olsen is out there "self promoting" and "filling his pockets?"

Your email says " technology given to us"

"US" Do you work for the RTA?

"This new technology was found to be highly visible and effective at slowing people down."

This was said by Rockdale Member Frank Sator on his web site

http://www.franksartor.com/file.php?file=/news/LWZVMMJONT/index.html

He was announcing the installation of two of the flashing light sets at Kogarah that should've been there day one.

A reply to my email(s) emailed the NSW Premier
and they have been passed on. "Firse Base"

My email to the Road Minister 21/11/08 (below) didn't get a result, last Year will it now?

......................................................................

Dear Minister,
In July last year the RTA installed variable speed cameras at a school zone on King Georges rd Beverly Hills.
Even before the cameras were switched on I could see that because of the length of the school zone and many side streets entering it, that there would be carnage when they were activated, even though flashing lights are at both ends on King Georges Rd.
.
After an article in the local paper featuring a group of sad looking motorists holding up tickets I emailed the then roads minister Mr Roozendaal suggesting an extra set of flashing lights opposite Edgbason st to help South bound motorists (and make it safer for children, the whole idea for having school zones)
After 4 unanswered emails, I wrote to the Telegraph and then "coincidentally" an unhelpful reply came from Mr Roozendaal's office two days later.

30,000 infringements in the first three months would indicate that perhaps that more signage would be helpful.
To more easily illustrate the problem at Beverly Hills, I've brought forward the relevant page on my website
www.schoolzonesanta.com
Please have a look
We need road rules and to enforce them, but hammering average, unaware drivers is not the way to go.
More sixty signs and that extra flashing light unit at Beverly Hills, would go a long way in the public relations department.

Thank you for your time.

All the best in handling, what is a difficult portfolio.

Yours faithfully
Hans Stephens

Another 38 school zones are to get flashing lights.

http://www.livenews.com.au/news/more-nsw-schools-to-get-safety-lights/2009/8/9/215522

"These 25 sites have been selected on the basis of strict criteria including crash history and risk, traffic and pedestrian volumes, speed limits and road visibility," Mr Daley added.

It's a shame that a school zone has to have a "crash history."

Maybe at assembly the student that draws the short straw can go out and get that school a bit of crash history to speed up the installation of flashing lights for the surviving students

From Peter Olsen at www.schoolzonelights .com.au

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQM9xthTpxA

The road is a dangerous place

I wrote a post on 23/2/06 about having advertising on school zone signs to pay for them to be fitted with flashing lights.

Why won't the RTA allow ads on school zone signs?

They have advertising on their pedestrian bridges.

Advertising is allowed on street name signs

and new bus shelters are appearing with advertising space that pays for them.

This just finished rather elaborate expensive one, (except for the advertising) outside Stewart Toyota in Waratah st Kirrawee

I asked car salesman if many people used that bus stop?

"I didn't know there was a bus stop, before they built the shelter" he said.

There's another new shelter on Sylvania rd near the Kingsway Miranda

So it appears that you can have advertising to pay for little used bus shelters, but to have a 6 or 7 word company tag on a school zone sign to pay for flashing lights for the added safety of school children, is out of the question.

I emailed the NSW Premier

No reply as yet.......

If I don't get a response, I'll send a letter by post in case the spam email filter at the Premier's office is a bit harsh.

Last week a speed camera in Cleveland st Moore park was featured in the media.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/two-speed-cameras-net-7-million-a-year-for-nsw-government/story-e6freuzr-1225756094341

$7 million in fines from 71,288 drivers in a variable speed school zone.

How may of these speeding fines were for outside school zone time "speeding"?

I emailed the Telegraph

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Dear sir,
Tony Morrison of Chifley "In the slow lane" (DT 1st AUG) didn't go to court to contest a speeding fine, because "there's no point as you still loose your points," which is just what the RTA/GOV relies on.
Imagine if all the 71,288 drivers caught in one year by the school zone speed camera in Cleveland street went to court, there would be a backlog for many years.
There is no excuse for speeding in a school zone, but most (as exposed by the NRMA) have instead of flashing lights, inadequate or obscured signage.
How many of the 71,288 speeding infringements at the Cleveland st site were actually in school zone time, or rather were for drivers detected cruising through this area after hours a few kl/mhs over the changed (for that bit of road) speed limit?
Speed camera as a road safety tool have there place but what's really needed on the road to catch the real offenders, are more highway patrol in unmarked cars
Invariably people caught doing ridiculous speeds and other illegal activity behind the wheel, are caught by unmarked police patrols.
Speed cameras are seen by government as handy cash registers on posts, and unlike real police, don't need superannuation, holiday pay, sick pay etc or heaven forbid, demand a fair wage for the difficult job they do.

Regards Hans Stephens
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Headline letter in this morning's paper,

.

For "space" reasons my letter has been edited and it appears that although I say there's no excuse for speeding, I ALSO say take your case to court.

I WAS POINTING OUT THAT THE "SPEEDING" FINES COULD MAINLY BE FOR THE 21 "AFTER SCHOOL ZONE HOURS" WHEN THE AREA IS 50 WHEN THE ROADS AROUND IT, ARE A SENSIBLE 60 KL/MH

IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE SPEED LIMIT IN ANY AREA AND GET CAUGHT TOUGH LUCK, BUT IF THE SIGNAGE IS BAD, OBSCURED, OR SNEAKY TAKE YOUR CASE TO COURT AT LEAST AS A PROTEST

Front page Telegraph story about school zone variable speed cameras in Cleveland st Moore Park making $7 million in one year.

Questioned about this amount Mr Daly replied, "What's a child's life worth?"

If children's lives are so worthwhile why not spend that $7 million on
Olsen style flashing lights?

How many $1.000 flashing lights units can you get for $7 million?
........................................................................

Graffiti article in the same paper

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/graffiti-vandal-sentenced-to-course-in-art-depreciation/story-e6freuy9-1225756075946

One low life sentenced to 500 hours community service.

What happens when he doesn't front up?

What happens if if he does show enthusiasm for cleaning graffiti?

Look at the state of this compartment, how long till the new Waratah carriages look like this?

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/money/new-trains-for-nsw-on-a-slow-boat-from-china/story-e6frezc0-1225755700963
........................................................................
Original Message -----
From: LOP
To: stephens1510
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 8:26 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Graffiti and how to get votes

Thanks Hans for your email.

I have written a letter that I will post to you regarding this matter.

I share your concerns regarding graffiti - and that we need to combat it.

Thanks

UPDATE 12 .10 pm

I ve just rung Ian Hampton about the demo, but because of lack of numbers he's called it off

Did Tim Soden from 2GB's newsroom ring you I asked, I gave him your number

"NO"

said Ian

I know the newsrooms busy, but here we have a farmer with a genuine grievence starving up a pole for 35 days.

No time for a 30 second phone call?

If Ian's phone was unanswered, Mr Soden could've called me to get Ian to contact 2GB.

Were're not talking about the normal news item here, like a burst water main in some back street, but a starving bloke up a pole for 35 days and "the tough but humane" Prime minister couldn't care less..

Thank you Tim Soden

Good luck Peter Spencer

Barry
______

Barry O'Farrell MP
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney
Member for Ku-ring-gai
T: 02 9230 2270
F: 02 9221 8208

www.barryofarrell.com.au

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The letter that the NSW Opposition leader has written for me in reply to ones I sent on June 29 and July 21 (further down this page) hasn't arrived as yet.

........................................................................

I'm worried about this line in the article about the Waratah train,

"The project will provide jobs for western Sydney at a state-of-the-art, $220 million maintenance facility in Auburn, which will employ more than 100 people."

"state of the art", the Collins class submarines were "state of the art" as were the "millennium trains." and the school zone flashing lights that break down are also "state of the art"

State of the art means over-engineered and expensive.

Victoria Gov collected $430 million in fines in one year from speed cameras

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Mobile camera plan to cut NSW road toll Alexandra Smith
July 25, 2009

THE Roads Minister, Michael Daley, favours the introduction of covert mobile speed cameras to discourage dangerous driving as the state's worsening road toll stands at 235 deaths this year.

It is understood Mr Daley supports mobile cameras, which are used in Victoria and Queensland, even though his predecessor, Eric Roozendaal, refused to install them in school zones while he was the roads minister.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/mobile-camera-plan-to-cut-nsw-road-toll-20090724-dw63.html

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I don't care if they have more speed cameras, but not if they replace police.

We need more unmarked highway patrol not less.

The Police opposition Police spokesman Mike Gallacher has the right idea.
He says in the article:

"the most effective way to reduce the road toll was to increase highway police patrols, not hidden speed cameras."
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My post on 10 JUNE titled

"SPEED CAMERAS"

In The Daily Telegraph 10/06/09

What "new technologies" could be used to rein in speeding drivers?

What about the "point to point cameras" (to be used only for trucks), for all drivers?

More speed cameras that only catch the unwary average driver.

What about tripling the Highway Patrol and all new cars to be unmarked, ......there's a novel idea.

No, speed cameras work 24 hours , don't need superannuation, sick leave or annual leave.

A small story now, but one that can have a big impact later.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"

Schools in the Ryde area are to get Peter Olsen's "check speed" flashing lights.

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ALL SCHOOLS IN RYDE ELECTORATE TO GET FLASHING LIGHTS THANKS TO ROTARY.

School zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen has today announced that all schools in the Ryde electorate are to get school zone flashing lights, thanks to the support of Rotary.

"In May this year Ryde Council gave approval for the installation of privately funded flashing lights in the Ryde area, at the request of local MP Victor Dominello. The first set was installed at Denistone East Public School on 15 May.

"Following the success of those lights the Rotary Club of North Ryde, in conjunction with other local Rotary clubs, has offered to raise the funds required to allow the lights to be rolled out to all schools in the Ryde electorate.

"The rollout has already commenced, with flashing lights going live today on Coxs Rd at North Ryde Public School, a short distance from where a boy was critically injured by a car wheel in May while waiting for a bus.

"Work is well advanced on installations at a number of other schools, with all schools expected to have flashing lights by the end of the current school term.

"This is an important community initiative aimed at greatly increasing the safety of children at local schools.

"A flashing lights fund has been set up with Bendigo Bank, which is also helping to fund the lights. Any individual or business that is interested in supporting the project should contact Bendigo Bank at North Ryde.

For more information contact:
Peter Olsen
0414-538-404

More details onother schools on

www.schoolzonelights.com.au

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-plan-to-tackle-the-shires-graffiti-scourge/1758773.aspx

31/10/09

Will he pay the compensation??

http://www.theage.com.au/national/suspended-sentence-for-global-graffiti-artist-20091029-hnpb.html

I suggest Mr Williams does a bit of graffiti in Singapore.

29/10/09 Another teen graffiti vandal caught and given a caution.

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/graffiti-teen-arrested/1660635.aspx

Did his parents pay for the graffiti removal?

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Graffiti charge

A CRONULLA man will appear in Sutherland Shire Court next month to answer charges relating to a graffiti incident at Loftus.

Sutherland police say they saw the man, 22, using white paint and a roller to paint a wall at Loftus Oval on August 7.

Police seized the paints and roller and the man with damaging property maliciously.

He was granted conditional bail and will appear in court on September 3.

22 Sept.09

What happened in court?

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Teens arrested after graffiti found
BY DAVID MCCOWEN
5/10/2009 10:41:00 AM
Sutherland police arrested two teenagers from Sutherland and Woronora on Friday for graffiti offences.
Police allege the male pair, aged 15 and 14, are responsible for graffiti sprayed on Railway Street, Jannali at 10.20pm on Thursday.

Police gave the teenagers official cautions for malicious damage, and possessing spray paint can with the intent to damage or deface property.

Did the teenagers or maybe their parents clean off the damage or pay to do it?

Police commander vows to tackle graffiti head on
BY MURRAY TREMBATH
13/08/2009 1:17:00 PM

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/police-commander-vows-to-tackle-graffiti-head-on/1595213.aspx

Higher priority: Acting Superintendent Jenny Hayes and Barry Collier inspect graffiti at Miranda. Picture: Chris Lane

The only way graffiti can be slowed is for there to be consequences if you do it.

Bath rd Jannali
.........................................................................

I have emailed (June 29) our State Opposition leader,

Let's see what his thoughts are on the graffiti curse.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

----- Original Message -----
From: stephens1510
To: barry.ofarrell@nsw.liberal.org.au
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 6:17 PM
Subject: Graffiti and how to get votes

Dear Mr O'farrell,
Graffiti is an ever increasing problem and needs a strong response to deter the morons that do it.
The Singapore way is to cane the offenders and that seems to work.
This punishment, even though it would certainly alleviate our graffiti vandalism, would never happen here.
To show that graffiti vandalism has consequences, maybe a "graffiti camp" may help.
Set up a camp out West with a high fence topped with razor wire, basic accommodation, basic facilities, basic food and where people can be sent to for graffiti offences and have to clean prepared spray painted brick walls every day of their sentence.
The staff there have authority to add extra days onto the sentence of anyone who refuses to co operate with the cleaning task.

Counselling, conferencing and community service won't work on these anti-social vandals, who have no regard for authority.

What happens now when people don't turn up for community service?

When people know that to get caught doing graffiti means a month, cleaning graffiti off a brick wall, with no TV, video games, and mates, day after day, this may get some result.
Compared to the cost of cleaning damage now, setting up and running a graffiti camp I think would be worth a go.

To show strong leadership on cracking down this problem will be appreciated by almost everyone out here.

Yours faithfully
Hans Stephens

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Will it be a..... "thank you for your email, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: July 2 No reply from Mr OFarrell's office as yet
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE July 21

As I haven't heard back from the opposition leader Barry O'Farrell's office in answer to my earlier email, I sent another last night, this time adding my website url

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

From: stephens 1510
To: barry.ofarrell@nsw.liberal.org.au
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:25 PM
Subject: Fw: Graffiti and how to get votes

Dear Mr O Farrell,
I have resent this email as I have had no acknowledgement as yet, of my original.
As you can see on my website www.schoolzonesanta.com in the category "2007 NSW ELECTION" I have an interest in politics and see the need for a change.
The category "Railcorp waste" and "RailCorp bullies loyal tenant" shows that I can be persistent.
Graffiti is blight on the landscape and needs someone with a will to introduce strong measures to combat this crime.
Also maybe a bit of corporate responsibility mightn't go astray.
Super Cheap Auto were selling 5 cans of spray paint for $10.
Perhaps a levy on spray cans to help pay for graffiti removal,(or to fund a "graffiti camp") ?

Thanks for your time
Yours faithfully
Hans Stephens

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This morning 9 hours later came back:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Original Message -----
From: LOP
To: stephens1510
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 8:26 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Graffiti and how to get votes

Thanks Hans for your email.

I have written a letter that I will post to you regarding this matter.

I share your concerns regarding graffiti - and that we need to combat it.

Thanks

Barry
______

Barry O'Farrell MP

NSW Liberal Leader
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney
Member for Ku-ring-gai
T: 02 9230 2270
F: 02 9221 8208

www.barryofarrell.com.au

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Update 17/08/09

As I hadn't recieved a letter I emailed Mr O'Farrell again;

14/08/2009 9:48:09 pm >>>

Dear Mr O'Farrell,
thank you for your reply to my email (below-)
The letter you had written to me has not arrived as yet, and appears to have gone astray, could you perhaps email it to me to save time.

Graffiti is once again the cover story in our local paper
http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/police-commander-vows-to-tackle-graffiti-head-on/1595213.aspx

and anyone that takes a hard stand against it will get the votes.

yours faithfully
Hans Stephens

And today came this reply:

----- Original Message -----
From: LOP
To: stephens1510
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 8:03 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Graffiti and how to get votes

Thanks Hans - let me follow it up for you.

Thanks

Barry
______

Barry O'Farrell MP

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

UPDATE 27/08/09 A LETTER FROM MR O'fARRELL HAS ARRIVED, I'll post it when I see some policy annoucement on youth crime

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Waratah st Kirrawee
.......................................................................

I thought today (before I accessed my emails) I should contact the Liberal's answer to the local Labor incumbent MP Barry Collier, but I don't know who he is.

Back in '07 it was a Mr Annesley and although his name does comes up regarding rugby league, it's Mr Collier that I see in the local paper out and about doing his best for the community.

Who is taking on Mr Collier, who holds this seat by a handful of votes?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Going back to my email to the transport minister David Campbell
(July 5 09 )about those cameras at Cronulla (see "RailCorp waste" category)

The response was, in part

"Your correspondence has been noted and will be given all necessary attention."

Would that mean into a shredder, or will they get rid of the evidence of waste, and move the cameras to where they will do more good.

The excuse for more speed cameras is "It's for road safety" even when the areas targeted are more often for revenue raising

Traffic control at roadworks, (any work,)is going the same way.

The cost of the Sutherland to Cronulla rail line duplication has gone from $106 million to $231 million (and counting) and is years behind schedule.

There are numerous access points all along the line.

As well as an abundance of warning signs, and witches hats there are also stop/go paddle men.

When I drive onto the road when I go to work, I have to make sure the coast is clear... all by myself.

How much is this so called "traffic control" rort costing?

No it wasn't lunchtime.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
and it's not lunchtime outside Sylvania High in Bellingara rd at Miranda.
either.

I did some work at Frank Vickery Village on Wednesday, up the road parked near lots of witches hats and roadwork sign was a traffic control truck and on board two green clad blokes resting till the signs etc needed to be retrieved at the end of the day.

I drove past today, Fri 11.30 and this van( pictured below) was parked with it's compliment of two safety green clad workers resting on board.

O, H and S has it's place for worker safety of course, but is this a case of overdoing it a bit and is it safety or an expensive overservicing?

Siesta at Sylvania.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Last November I posted this.....

I have a couple more questions,

Why on Oak road by the Kirrawee Raiway Station on Tuesday morning, were there 3 green safety vested traffic controllers on a 25 meter section of well signposted "one way" section of road?

This piece of roadway has been one way for months, not alternating, but one way..

This is O,H and S gone mad, and at what cost?

Why has the cost of the Rail Duplication project gone up from
$106 million to $341 million and is 2 years behind schedule?

What's the big deal with three men looking after traffic?

No big deal in isolation, but extrapolate this excess all over the network and then add up the cost.
_______________

Traffic Control a growth industry?

This truck I spotted in Peakhurst and they could be importing stop/go men from Queensland going by the license plates.

Coles and Woolworths have fooled people into believing that you can get something for nothing.

All you have to do is buy $30 of their high priced groceries, take the receipt to a Shell or Caltex garage and you get 4 cents off per litre of petrol.

Fantastic, if you have an empty tank and you put in 60 litres that's a whopping $2.40 saving.

At the Caltex garage on the Princes Highway at Carrs Park the high number of these highly intellectual drivers are queuing up for their (up to) $2.40 and stuffing up the kerbside clearway lane while they wait for room on the forecourt.

Frustrated drivers are desperately trying to get around these morons, a very dangerous maneuver in peak hour traffic.

The vehicle with the trailer couldn't drive in and just sat there and waited for someone to move on in the garage.

There will be a serious accident there when someone risks a lane change at the wrong time to get around these fools.

That car couldn't get in either maybe a $189 fine might make a difference.
................................................................................

Driving home after I took the photos I had to get out of the blocked clearway lane on the Princes Highway at Gymea.

Why?...... a car was waiting for space at another 4 cent discount garage.

After all this waiting and finally filling up, let's hope they don't reward themselves for their highly profitable transaction by buying a Picnic bar at the counter and thereby blowing the discount.

Where are the Police when you need 'em.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 21 July.
The sign was there this morning but gone at 3.00pm as I drove home this afternoon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Today there was a road safety meeting with GOV RTA and other groups to discuss the road toll that is way up from this time last year.

The current roads minister on radio said that speed is still a major factor in accidents.

I have suggested in letters and throughout this site for more Highway Patrol, IN UNMARKED CARS.

Will they now go for the "point to point" speed camera option, and utilize all the road sensors appearing in a roadway near you

Last Sunday an article appeared in the Sunday Telegraph no doubt following the saga of Ute-gate.
It was all about fake emails and a step by step guide how they are done giving website links.
As you can see by my category "Is there corporate responsibility in advertising" I think that media have to act responsibly.

Credit to the Sunday Telegraph that they can handle a critical letter.

Is there waste in Railcorp projects?

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/rail-duplication-128m-over-budget/1754750.aspx

I told RailCorp that 12 security cameras in a 30 space car park was
"A headline waiting to happen" see "RailCorp waste" category.

I've had a 4 column headline letter about this car park in the Daily Telegraph beforein December last year also with a four column heading and in today's tele was....

It was the policy of a tobacco company in America to totally ignore the first letter of people complaining of getting sick from smoking their products.

80% of people didn't write again.

I won't stop untill most of those cameras are removed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I emailed the transport Minister
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Original Message -----
From: stephens1510
To: keira@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 7:43 AM
Subject: RailCorp

Dear Minister,
earlier this year you wrote to me and said you would get the RailCorp's CEO to contact me.after I questioned the need for there to be 12 security cameras in the 30 space staff only car park adjacent to the Cronulla Railway Station.
He did email me and said that the security was because of the, "continuing problem with graffiti vandalism and theft."
But that didn't explain the need for (on average) 2 cameras per car most working days, when there are 16 cameras for the 400 car spaces in the 4 story commuter car park on rail property at Sutherland station.

That "chaser" sketch about cancer kids that caused outrage in the community, came on TV after passing many ABC staff who should have said no to it being aired.

How many RailCorp staff couldn't see this obvious waste of tax payers money at Cronulla to have that number of cameras, as well as the security fence and that earlier 24 hour security guard.

I said at the time, it was a "Headline waiting to happen" (two banner headlines in the Telegraph letter's page so far, and Hansard

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20081127042 )

In the scheme of things this matter is small change for RailCorp, but when such obvious waste is overlooked and excused, I wonder how much more is going on in RailCorp, apart from those matters already under investigation now at ICAC.

Your job is tough enough without having to cover for incompetents signing off on blatant waste for all to see.

Thank you for your time.

Yours faithfully
Hans Stephens

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This has come back
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

----- Original Message -----
From: Minister Campbell's Office
To: stephens1510
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2009 12:16 PM
Subject: RE: RailCorp

Thank you for your e-mail to the Hon David Campbell MP, Minister for Transport and Minister for the Illawarra.

Your correspondence has been noted and will be given all necessary attention.

Regards

Office of the Minister for Transport
Minister for the Illawarra
Ph: 9228 3777
Fx: 9228 3722 .

------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued.......

Yesterday (July 1st) as I went past the flashing school zone lights on The Kingsway Miranda opposite University rd, they weren't flashing and it was school zone time.

It was very close to 4.00pm so I thought maybe my timepiece was out.

This afternoon at 2.45pm they weren't working.

Hhow long they have been faulty is anyone's guess.

This same set was out for a week once before.

Meanwhile Peter Olsen's "el cheapo" lights in Lurgano and Peakhurst have been 100% reliable for three years, (apart from RTA installed power supply faults)

The RTA and Roads minister make a big deal out of the necessity of having "back to base" fault monitoring on the flashing light units.

Maybe because of the reliability of the preferred expensive units maybe they do need this feature.

UPDATE JULY 3

At 3.45pm this afternoon the afore mentioned flashing lights were back in operation.

Repaired .. or is it intermittent fault?

The Telegraph did a spread once again on the curse of graffiti vandals

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,,25704891-5001021,00.html

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,,25704933-5001021,00.html

(highlight whole link and drag into browser)

A GRAFFITI artist who escaped from a storm water drain in a flash flood that killed two of his best friends has told a court they were painting in the drain because there was "a lack of legal walls in Sydney."

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25706961-5001021,00.html

"Lack of legal walls" What's wrong with using canvas on an easel to be artistic on?

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Black art's $100m price tag, graffiti hits NSW councils

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,,25708604-5001021,00.html

(highlight whole link and drag into browser)

This page was first posted last week

Do Politicians really care about us?

utegate scandal rudd utegate turnbull utegate hockey utegate
swan utegate

The alledged ute gate email, is it a fake or can a minister ask for help on behalf of others?

" Hi Godwin, the PM has asked if the car dealer financing vehicle is available to assist a Queensland dealership, John Grant Motors, who seems to be having trouble getting finance."

On behalf of all young children in Australia I emailed (3 times) all 150 Federal Politicians for an opinion about inappropriate "longer lasting sex" advertising.
I thought an email an from our responsible leaders could have been sent to the minister in charge of media regulations Senator Conroy along these lines:

" Hi Stephen,
We've had a bloke pestering us about those "lasting longer in the bedroom" ads, could you get someone to have a look at them, to see if the wording can be made more "child friendly," or at least get them on after hours."

Maybe I should have added a cash donation (or a ute)

The full story (up till now) on www.protectkids.com.au
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After a two page spread in the Leader on June 16 about "over zealous" parking rangers.
I emailed the letters page:

----- Original Message -----
From: stephens1510
To: leaderletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:29 PM
Subject: Fines and graffiti

Dear sir,
The subject of supposed "revenue raising" by "over zealous" law enforcement council parking rangers this time, fills two pages of the Leader. (June 16)
One story "Charities denied parking revenue" says that the $207,000 unexpected revenue collected in fines by Sutherland Shire rangers won't go to charities, as suggested by Sutherland Shire Councillor Kent Johns, to show that there's no revenue raising.
As charities miss out, could I make a suggestion, is it possible that a couple of hundred dollars of that $207,000 windfall be spent to paint the wall opposite the main entrance to the Council depot in The Boulevard Kirrawee.
Every morning the diligent hard working posse of rangers have to look at that unsightly mess as they leave the depot in their little vans, to go and do their thankless job on behalf of us ratepayers.
Graffiti is best covered as soon as possible to deter other offenders, and I'm sure the proceeds of one "double parking" fine could be spared to tidy up the street-scape outside the depot.
The wall is a good hundred meters long and looks dreadful . Even if the owner of the building won't paint it, the council in the public interest should, as it makes the whole area look bad.

Regards
Hans Stephens

And included this photo

apart from the "diligent hardworking" line the letter was printed.

People that park contrary to the signs and get fined only have themselves to blame, but for the rangers to drive out past this mess every day and go ato nab someone who has parked facing the wrong way in some quiet back street, it's eary to work out which illegal activity raises the most money for council.

$207.000 could pay a fair bit of nighttime stakeouts at graffiti hot
spots to catch more of those mongrels.

Dec'08
A meeting was had with the new (current at the moment) roads minister Daley at Peter Olsen's original lights at Peakhurst.

http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&task=view&id=2637

Notice how the lights actually "flash," not the on........off way that most of the RTA's preferred one's do.

The corruption in RailCorp continues with ICAC exposing another bribery scheme.

How many more RailCorp employees are sucking at the budget?

I pointed out the obvious waste of resources at Cronulla Railway Station and was dealt "spin" (See "RailCorp waste" category for copies of emails and letters.)

The 12 security cameras in the 30 space staff car park are all still there.

At 11.45am this morning there were 6 cars there, that's 2 cameras each.

border="0" alt="" />

At the Sutherland Railway station commuter car park that has space for 400 cars there are 16 cameras and there is no 8 foot steel security fence around it.

At 12.15pm today there was one vacant space on the top floor.

This is a carpark where a woman was raped in broad daylight.

An idea I rang and suggested to "Stay Safe" committee chairman Paul Gibson MP on 2/2/06 about wheel-clamping cars at owner's house (See "P Plate driver crisis" category) has finally happened.

I also rang the Australian Pedestrian Council's Mr Scruby about this idea.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/clampdown-keeps-street-racers-off-the-road/1542501.aspx

Confiscating a car and taking it to a compound or warehouse as they were doing, is not only expensive, but the car wheel-clamped at the drivers home is a continual reminder to the owner of the consequences of wrong doing.

The "fairer" new-demerit-points-scheme-for-nsw-goes-easy-on-drivers
has been fast tracked for July 1

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/34205/new-demerit-points-scheme-for-nsw-goes-easy-on-drivers/

But does this scheme help drivers at school zones?
Cruising through a school zone without the warning flashing lights at the normal posted speed outside school zone time will cost a lot more as well as the demerit points

In The Daily Telegraph 10/06/09

What "new technologies" could be used to rein in speeding drivers?

What about the "point to point cameras" (to be used only for trucks), for all drivers?

More speed cameras that only catch the unwary average driver.

What about tripling the Highway Patrol and all new cars to be unmarked, ......there's a novel idea.

No, speed cameras work 24 hours , don't need superannuation, sick leave or annual leave.

A small story now, but one that can have a big impact later.

Now it's that role model cook Gordon Ramsay's turn to outdo the Chaser show.

www.livenews.com.au/tv/tracy-grimshaws-a-lesbian-ramsay-rages/2009/6/7/209165

Last week it was the Chaser TV show crossing all decent boundaries with their sketch.

www.defamer.com.au/2009/06/the-chaser-anger-the-public-with-their-chaser-style-prank/ -

The Chaser people as a punishment were taken off the air for two weeks. . So their show has been delayed two weeks ....what a
punishment!!!!

So what will happen to Mr Ramsay?

Channel 9 CEO David Gyngell has "spoken" to Ramsay, but will he cancel his show as he should, or delay it two weeks.

The question is, do ratings and money come first, and the whole thing was a set up to help both the ACA and Hells Kitchen ratings, or will Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen" be cancelled, to show that this sort of humour is never acceptable.

Why do I care, see my other website www.protectkids.com.au

From the Daily Telegraph 5/6/09

Is this the excuse the RTA is looking for to bring in more speed cameras and using the "point to point" speed cameras, on all vehicles

www.nswalp.com/blog/730/point-to-point-cameras-to-reduce-heavy-vehicle-fatalities -

Drivers that think that road rules are for other people need to be targeted, but there people have GPS to warn when to momentarially to slow down at the camera sites.

WHAT IS NEEDED IS A TRIPLING OF UNMARKED HIGHWAY PATROL CARS.

Not knowing that speeding past that "ordinary" sedan, (that is fact a Highway Patrol car) and you will your license, IS a deterrent!!!!!

and after an average driver gets booked a few km/h over the limit, takes it to court,and the jugde agrees that the booking was unfair and dis misses ths the fine what happens?

www.theherald.com.au/blogs/jeff-corbett/rta-arrogance/1173111.aspx -

the RTA is above the law.

This woman with virtually no qualifications, in 8 months went from a telephonist to be a ministerial advisor in the NSW government.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25558889-5001021,00.html
(drag full link into browser)

As I'm unqualified, I'm therefore qualified to be a ministerial advisor,
As my appointment hasn't come through as yet:

Here's some free advice.

For the Roads Minister,

(1) Use the proven Olsen flashing light technology at school zones
(2) Have both speeds posted in school zones. eg

(3) Instead of more speed cameras, triple the Highway Patrol using unmarked cars.

For the Police Minister

On the graffiti curse.

Set up a compound out west somewhere similar to that of Sheriff Joe Arpaio

www.snopes.com/politics/crime/arpaio.asp

Graffiti "artists" when caught,(to send a message that this destructive activity has consequence,) get a sentence where these vandals have to spend a month cleaning graffiti off continually resprayed brick walls.
Refusal to work incurres an extra day to sentence.

For the Transport Minister,

Get RailCorp to get most of the security cameras at Cronulla staion removed

4 of the 12 cameras and the 24 hr security guard.... for a carpark????

The explanation RailCorp CEO gave me why there are 12 security cameras in the 30 car space Cronulla Station staff car park proves that he doesn't care about wasting money. (see "RailCorp Waste" category)

(to be continued)

This is the latest brainwave to try and fix the school zone problem?

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/dragons-teeth-headed-for-nsw-schools-20090524-bjat.html

What would work better to tell a drivers WHEN it's school zone time?

(A)

Or (b)

$14 million dollars to paint triangles that will wear and fade and will not work effectively.

Drivers can't see three signs leading up to a speed camera, why would dragon teeth work?

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MEDIA RELEASE

24 May 2009

SCHOOL ZONE DRAGON'S TEETH SHOW
GOVERNMENT HAS LOST THE PLOT

School zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen has today slammed the government over its proposal to spend $13M painting new road markings around school zones.

The Government has completely lost the plot on school zones. Static markings, including the proposed new "dragon's teeth" achieve nothing because they do not distinguish between school zone hours and non-school zone hours. The proposal is a criminal waste of taxpayer's money, especially during a recession.

If a responsible driver drives through a certain school zone every day at say 7.45am, he becomes conditioned to ignore it, dragon's teeth or not. If he is delayed in traffic once a month and drives through at 8.05am, there is nothing to warn him. As a result he becomes a threat to children and a convenient revenue source for the Government.

If the school zone instead has flashing lights, drivers are instantly reminded and can slow down, but then of course the Government can no longer collect speeding fine revenue from them.

It is obvious that the Premier does not drive and it would appear that the Roads Minister has also forgotten what it is like. Any driver asked will say that flashing lights are the only effective warning system.

For what the Government intends to waste on pointless road markings they could install five flashing light signs at every single school in NSW, if they were to adopt more cost effective technology.

The RTA has been given the technology to use for nothing. RTA figures show that is more reliable and more effective at reducing speed than the RTA's own lights, yet still they refuse to use it, preferring instead to waste taxpayers' money on ineffective road markings.

For more information contact Peter Olsen, 0414-538-404.

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A press conference was held with all the big wigs adorned in fluro safety gear announcing this great initiative while watching triangles being painted on a road.

Forget the paint brushes, flashing lights are the only real solution.

Peter Olsen is beavering away installing his "check speed" flashing lights at school zones.

Big deal.... all you do is put a post in the ground, pour in a bit of quick set concrete, add the lights and presto.

If only it was that simple.

What about the hours needed to select sites and then persuade homeowners to allow the light/sign units in their front yard.

Every driver passing through the schoolzone with Peter's lights would appreciate the fact that are there, but how many of these drivers would allow them in their front yard.

HOW EASY WOULD IT BE IF THERE WAS COMMON SENSE, AND THE SAME LIGHTS COULD BE PUT ON THE RTA SCHOOLZONE SIGNS.

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MEDIA RELEASE

15 May 2009

DENISTONE EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL GETS SCHOOL ZONE FLASHING LIGHTS

School zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen today announced that school zone flashing lights have been installed at Denistone East Public School.

I recently announced that Ryde Council had approved the installation of privately funded flashing lights. The first set of lights has now gone live, at Denistone East Public School.

The P&C had contacted the local member, Victor Dominello, about the possibility of having flashing lights installed on Lovell Rd. Mr Dominello in turn contacted me and arrangements were made to install the lights. Installation commenced as soon as Council approval was received.

Home owners in the vicinity of other schools in the area have been canvassed in relation to hosting signs on their properties. It is anticipated that the installation of lights at several of those schools will commence shortly.

For more information contact Peter Olsen, 0414-538-404.

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No doubt the thought in RTA headquarters is that Peter will eventually give up.

I don't think so.

Someone who spent countless hours on his Christmas light show (google Lurgano xmas lights ) is not one to give up go away.

I did some work in Cedar st Lurgano earlier this week, and passed through two school zones that have Peter Olsen's "home made" flashing lights telling all and sundry that it was school zone time.

These cheap lights have been working flawlessly much to the delight of locals and through traffic alike, for over two and a half years.

This afternoon I passed by one of the RTA favoured systems in Taren Point rd and took this photo.

The overhead flashing light unit was out... AGAIN (see category "About faulty flashing lights")

Luckily there is a spare independent unit as backup, and as the RTA favoured systems have the handy fault reporting "back to base" feature it should be repaired soon .....

The one that was working does so at a pathetically slow rate.

They flash too slowly to attract attention.

Maybe the thinking is that if it flashes slowly the bulb's last longer.

There are people that enthusiastically start on a well intentioned mission, and after a while the whole idea becomes too hard, and they do what everybody expects them to do, give up and fade away.
Not our Peter Olsen, he knows what he is doing he is right. He has proved that cheap effective flashing warning lights can be installed at school zones.

The RTA thought he would go away.

From the Newcastle Herald.

.........................................................................

Hunter parents sick of waiting for school lights
BY ALISON BRANLEY
29/04/2009 4:00:00 AM

HUNTER parents fed up with waiting for the State Government to install flashing lights outside school zones are paying to install their own sets.

Minmi Public School this week became the first school in the region to have lights independently installed in time for the start of term two.

The move has been backed by the Parents and Citizens Association Hunter Council, and other schools are expected to follow Minmi's lead.

Earlier this month it was revealed fewer than one in 10 Hunter school zones was fitted with flashing lights to alert drivers of the 40 kmh speed limit.

Parents and Citizens Association Hunter Council member Clarice Hamling took up the cause after growing frustrated with attempts to get flashing lights at schools.

She got the signs from a Sydney firm and secured support from Newcastle and Maitland councils.

The signs read "check speed" and have flashing lights, but are not official RTA signs.

LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: Clarice Hamling, Jodie Cartwright and Emily, 9, and Evan Clarke, 8, below the new lights installed near Minmi Public School yesterday.- Picture by Kitty Hill

Schools wanting to install the signs must get permission to erect them on nearby private properties as they are not allowed to use RTA land.

Parents at Minmi Public School were keen to get the signs after the RTA said the street outside their school was not busy enough to qualify for them even though it is a main road.

The school also has a crossing just over the top of a blind crest that is used by many of its 116 students.

Trucks regularly travel the road to and from a coalmine and quarry.

Parents and Citizens Association president Jenny Clarke said drivers would drive past at more than 60 kmh, even though outside the 40 kmh zone the limit was 50 kmh.

"There have been many near misses," she said.

The NSW Government has promised 400 sets in NSW over the next four years, including nine in the Hunter.

Schools with inquiries can phone: 0419 601 322.

From the Fairfield City Champion. ( 8/04/2009 )

" PETER Olsen is a man on a mission to light up the lives of drivers passing schools.

The 51-year-old grandfather, a former computer programmer, is working towards reducing the number of road accidents in school zones in the area by having set up 11 flashing signs for motorists passing school zones.

They are at Fairfield West and Canley Heights public schools on the Cumberland Highway, Bossley Park High School on Prairievale Road, and Cartwright and Green Valley primary schools in the Liverpool area. And Mr Olsen would like to install another five.

The lights have been funded by Brydens Law Group, Liverpool, whose staff had read about Mr Olsen's work in other Sydney suburbs."

" An RTA spokesman said such lights would not have cost the RTA $1.5million and they did not meet standards.

They were too small, could be obscured by shrubbery, are difficult to see from the road, run off a power cord from private homes, carry only a single message, do not alert motorists to school zones."
___________________________

Well Mr RTA spokesperson if you swallowed your pride and use the technology that Peter gave you for free, the same technology that has worked flawlessly for years at Lurgano/Peakhurst schools keeping the kids safe, then he wouldn't be doing your job.

This is a Olsen flashing light set working in Peakhurst.
NB. the cars's brake lights.

Of course the lights Peter is installing now are on private property, and for the best effect need to be on the school zone signs, but the RTA would send 10 blokes in three trucks to tear them down as they did before, untill adverse publicity and 2GB's Alan Jones got involved.
................................................................................

"could be obscured by shrubbery," is one reason to rubbish Peter's CHECK SPEED lights.

From this website archives 16/01/07

"This one with the young trees in front (which will only grow bigger), hide this even more expensive flashing light set, and on the road divider is, you guessed it, another sign, highly visible from way up the road.( even back as far as Park St.)

A close up of this sign is a couple of pages back

What can I say.
......................................................................

The RTA did solve the above obscuring tree problem, they took an axe to them very soon after I mentioned it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The RTA is moving from Surrey Hills to North Sydney and are spending a reported $1,000.000, yes 0ne million on new chairs.

news.ninemsn.com.au/national/800608/rta-spends-23-million-on-office-move -
_______________

Peter Olsen askes a question in today's press realease

_______________

MEDIA RELEASE

20 April 2009

WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR $1,000?

one of these.

or one of these.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last December Peter Olsen said to the Roads Minister that he would put up his warning lights at school zones and true to his word in sun and rain he is doing just that.

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Campaigner shines light on road safety

BY JIM GAINSFORD St George and Sutherland Shire Leader
15/04/2009 4:00:00 AM

SCHOOL Zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen has installed a set of his homemade school zone flashing lights outside Brighton-Le-Sands Public School at the request of the school's P&C.

The lights have been installed on private property at either end of the school zone in Crawford Road so they can't be removed by the RTA.

P&C president Chris Lloyd said the school community felt more secure now the lights had been installed.

"The lights will alert drivers that they are entering a school zone and to take care,'' he said.

"That's all we ask.''

Mr Olsen has also installed 11 sets of his lights in the western suburbs and has orders for another 10 sets.

He also has orders from Newcastle and Lismore.

"In St George I've got approval from home-owners to install the lights on private property at each end of the school zone on Bay Street Brighton, at West Botany Street, Rockdale, and at Forest Road, Arncliffe.

"I'm now looking for sponsorship from local businesses of $1000 per sign.

"Once installed they will cost the grand total of 70 cents per year to run which covers electricity and maintenance.''

Mr Olsen said his original signs at Peakhurst and Lugarno had been running for more than two years with zero maintenance cost and 100 per cent reliability.

"The RTA has said its lights cost $13,000 each but they are spending $46.5million for 400 school zones equalling $58,000 per sign.''

An RTA spokesman said it prioritised locations for flashing lights on a risk basis based on crash history, prevailing speed limit, existing road safety measures and the visibility of the school from road.

``RTA flashing lights have been evaluated and selected for reliability and effectiveness and have a back to base component that immediately notifies the RTA of failures therefore reducing the potential risk to students,'' the spokesman said.

Businesses can sponsor Mr Olsen's school zone flashing lights by contacting him on 0414538404 or at www.

schoolzonelights.com.au.

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From today's Telegraph

ICAC probes RTA's corruption

A STRING of senior RTA executives, including former CEO Les Wielinga, were named in a NSW Ombudsman report which has been referred to the state's corruption watchdog.

Google "icac railcorp" too, and see how our taxes are wasted there, and see my "Railcorp waste" category for a bit of Cronulla mismanagement of taxpayer funds.

An email from Bill,

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill"

Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:52 PM
Subject: Olsen Lights at Fairfield West

>
> Hi Santa
>
> Not sure what you and Mr Olsen are doing here.

> I have a close relationship with the incident at Fairfield West Public School yesterday and I am concerned that you may not be telling everybody the complete truth about Mr Olsens fabulous "lights".
> I went out to see Mr Olsen install his lights today (as he promised)and there was no sign of him all afternoon. I really wanted to meet him and discuss his ideas.
> Are these lights actually installed in the areas that he stated in his release or is this another media hype?
> The only person I saw all day was an RTA fellow who was very wet from standing in the rain watching the traffic and making notes.
>
> At least the RTA made an effort to turn up and investigate what had happened to the child yesterday.
> I think for the moment, I'll stay with the RTA flashing lights. They seem to actually care about the public. Mr Olsen was nowhere to be seen today despite his media statements and promises.
>
> This messages was sent via the email form on your blog.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for your email Bill.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
You wrote "Not sure what you and Mr Olsen are doing here." assuming perhaps that Peter and I are out to gt into the public purse, far from it, we're into common sense

I reason I dressed up a in a Santa suit at school zones, was to try an publicise the need for flashing lights at school zones to help make drivers aware of WHEN it's school zone time.

The fact that that the school zone variable speed cameras at Kogarah made $6.5 million in one year (2003/2004) in fines, proves something wasn't working.

I stood in my santa suit morning and afternoon at the Kogarah school zone all February '05 (see archives) willingly, and again at that bullshit school zone at Beverly Hills, at my own cost to prove a point.

Peter Olsen saw that the RTA was spending millions on a few fancy flashing lights units, and he proved AT HIS OWN EXPENCE in Lurgano and Peakhurst, that he could do the same job (slowing drivers in school zones) at a fraction of the cost of those used by the RTA.

By the way I would assume the RTA man you mention taking notes yesterday was being well paid for his time.

Why do something like taking notes in the rain AFTER an accident, put up cheap lights at all schools and help PREVENT accidents.

No that's too easy.

Peter installed flashing lights at five schools originally, which the RTA tore down, only then being forced to leave up when Alan Jones had the roads Minister Mr Roozendaal on his show.

The style of lights working at Peakhurst, the technology Peter Olsen gave to the RTA, that they won't use for some reason.

Peter proved that lights don't have to cost millions to do the same job as cheaper versions.

Peter gave the technology at no cost for the RTA to use, but I have a suspicion that because Peter embarrassed the RTA in having to leave them at the Lurgano/Peakhurst schools, they won't use his idea on principle.

So the RTA is putting up their over priced, over engineered lights (see about Category "about faulty flashing lights") at 100 schools a year so that means at that rate my great great grandchildren might see the last school in NSW get them.

I say might, because our current Roads Minister said that "too many flashing lights desensitize drivers."

I was there when he made this statement at Peakhurst Dec.08

Even though Peter wasn't there yesterday, there would be a good reason, rest assured that he is only trying to make school zones safer for kids and better for drivers, not to line his pockets.

I'm sure if you email Peter see www.schoolzonelights.com.au he'll answer any questions you have.

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Update April 2
An email from Bill

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 4:13 PM
Subject: Re: Olsen Lights at Fairfield West

Thanks Hans

Good talking with you.
I'll have a look at Peter's website as well.

Bill

30 March 2009

NEAR TRAGEDY IN SCHOOL ZONE
SCHEDULED FOR FLASING LIGHTS
In a media release issued last Monday, school zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen revealed the
names of the first 5 schools to receive private flashing lights thanks to sponsorship by Brydens
Law Group.

One of those schools is Fairfield West Public School on Cumberland Highway.
Today on 2GB there was a report that a child had been hit by a car, outside this very school.

This school was to have Peter Olsens warning lights installed today but because of a supply problem, will get them installed tommorrow.

This school isn't even on the list for RTA lights and how sad for this school child that Peters lights weren't there today.

I'm sorry this website has developed a problem where images aren't appearing on pages.
You might see a little red cross in a box instead.
Kerry is at this moment diligently working away rectifying this glitch.

Thanks Kerry.

N E W S R E L E A S E

NEXT 5 SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR FLASHING LIGHTS
Tuesday 24 March 2009
School zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen today announced the next 5 school zones to be
fitted with flashing lights as part of the private school zone lights installation program.
Mr Olsen said the roll out of the flashing light technology is part of the joint commitment with
Brydens Law Group to improving safety in 10 school zones over the next two months.
“Nothing’s more important than the safety of our kids and our focus is on making their travel to
and from school as safe as possible.
“That’s why we’re getting on with the job of delivering on our promise to roll out flashing light
technology in the western suburbs to slow people down in 40kmh school zones.
“I have now installed flashing lights in 6 school zones and I’m pleased to announce the next five
locations for the installation of flashing lights.
“Installation will start this week in school zones in the Liverpool and Fairfield areas,” he said.
Mr Olsen said the remaining 5 zones targeted for funding by Brydens will be announced later in
the month.
“The selection of new school zone sites for flashing lights is based on various criteria including
requests submitted by schools, the availability of suitable installation locations, crash risk, traffic
and pedestrian volumes, speed limits, road environment and visibility.
“This is to ensure we install flashing lights at those schools that need or want them most.
“The majority of motorists try to do the right thing but because of the lack of flashing lights at
97% of school zones, responsible drivers regularly speed through them without meaning to,
thereby placing the lives of children at risk.
“Children are among our most vulnerable road users and travelling at even 5kmh over the speed
limit can double your risk of having a crash,” he said.
Mr Olsen said the flashing lights program was implemented in January to get people to slow down around schools and is supported by revenue from private sponsors.
Contact: Peter Olsen (0414 538 404)

School Zone Alert Systems – 5 Sites for March Installation
School Name(s) Road Name Suburb
1 Bossley Park High School Prairie Vale Road Bossley Park
2 Canley Vale Public School Cumberland Highway Canley Heights
3 Cartwright Public School Cartwright Avenue Cartwright
4 Fairfield West Public School Cumberland Highway /
Hamilton Rd
Fairfield West
5 Green Valley Public School Green Valley Rd Green Valley
.......................................................................

Isn't it sad that a private citizen has to voluntarily go out and install flashing lights at schools.

The RTA/State Government although aware that school zones fail both in children's safety and confuse drivers, refuse to use a proven affordable version of flashing lights that would light up all NSW school zones at a fraction of cost of preferred technology.

Peter freely gave the RTA the technology to the RTA to use, but no they want to go with really good (See "about faulty flashing lights" category) "state of the art" overpriced, over-engineered systems.

In the Graffiti category I posted a bit about a shop wall in Kirrawee, where a mural has been painted in a graffiti style.

Well it appears I'm not the only one that thinks this "mural" is inappropriate as a graffiti deterrent.

Maybe now it will be suitably redone.

Today Tonight on Ch 7
http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/article/5384063/general/school-zone-fines
there was an item about school zones, which backs Peter Olsen's "40kmh anomalies" on www.schoolzonelights.com.au. where he points out what a mess school zones are.

There are so many inconsistencies with the placing of school zones.

Council Desperation

These two photos show the lengths that some Councils are going to in an attempt to protect school children in their area. The phone number on the trailer is that of Bankstown City Council.

From my email inbox

I thought that I'd let you know what the Bankstown City Council are doing to raise driver awareness around the Padstow Park Public School in Faraday Rd Padstow. Please find attached, a photo of their version of the "flashing sign". This week it is in the westbound direction (facing Revesby) and last week, the eastbound direction. Last time it was there about 5 months ago, I think it was the RTA who put it there as there was no "Bankstown City" signs on it, and it was immediately removed, ( i.e. same day, and before the afternoon zone's time) after I rang in to let Mike Carlton know it was there, in response to a number of calls about such signs being needed on the Northern Beaches. I suggested that Padstow was "Labor heartland" and that the Northern Beaches should expect the same level "of service".
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Thanks David

I think it would be cheaper to have flashing lights on the school zone signs, but untill the RTA get's it act together........

Today the NSW Road Minister Mr Dalley announced a new "fairer" demerit point system.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25123834-5001021,00.html

(highlight whole link and drag into browser)

Proposed new points system

Up to 10 km/h 1 demerit point and $81
Between 11 km/h and 20 km/h 3 points and $180
Between 21 km/h and 30 km/h 4 points and $324

Between 31 km/h and 45 km/h over the limit, three months suspension $621 and 5 points.

It WILL help unwary drivers that blissfully cruise through a speed camera a few kilometers over the speed limit, but go through a school zone at the "out of school zone time" speed and you can be 10, 20, or 30 km/h over.

Then you cop an even larger fine than now, plus the points.

Flashing lights at all school zones could be the answer.
______________

Point to point speed cameras

Mr Dalley on the Chris Smith show on 2GB wouldn't promise that cars wouldn't be included in the point to point speed camera system proposed for trucks.

Don't you believe it, after it's up and running for trucks, the RTA/GOV after a couple of bad, highly publicised accidents will "reluctantly, in the interest of public safety" use them also for cars.

And who will criticize them for trying to make the road safer.

T
The roads minister said on the Ray Hadley show this morning (3/3/09)that there was no plan to include cars but if that happens he'd announce it on Ray's show.
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MEDIA RELEASE

27 February 2009

PRIVATE SCHOOL ZONE LIGHTS ROLLOUT COMMENCES

On 28 January 2009 school zone lights campaigner Peter Olsen announced the installation of flashing lights at Sophie Delezio's school. He also announced that similar lights would be made available to any other school in NSW that wanted them, through private sponsorship.

Today Mr Olsen has has released details of the first major sponsorship deal and the commencement of the rollout of private flashing lights to other schools.

"I am pleased to announce that Brydens Compensation Lawyers have generously offered to fund the installation of 20 sets of flashing lights at 10 schools in the Liverpool / Fairfield / Blacktown areas", Mr Olsen said.

"Brydens' CEO Paul Brandalise contacted me following the installation of the lights at Sophie's school. That led to a a meeting being held last week at which a deal was struck.

"The value of the deal in terms of what it saves the taxpayer is around $1.5M, when compared with what the RTA is spending.

"On 18th December 2006 the RTA awarded a tender for $1.475M for the installation of the exact same number of flashing lights, as part of the RTA's 2007 trial of flashing lights at 100 schools.

"Details of the tender are on the RTA's web site at http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/doingbusinesswithus/tenderscontracts/contractsawarded/roadsafety/less/200704211552032182.html

"Confirmation that it was for 10 sites only is at http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/newsevents/2006_11_schoolzones.html

"The total dollar value of the deal is $20,000 for the 20 sets of lights, which puts paid to the RTA's claim at http://www.schoolzonelights.com.au/media2009-01-28rta.pdf that reliable flashing lights cannot be installed for $1,000. The technology is the same as has been operating in Peakhurst and Lugarno with 100% reliability and zero maintenance cost for the past 2 years.

"The fact that a firm of lawyers is sponsoring the lights is significant because it confirms that there are no legal issues with them.

Unlike the RTA, Mr Olsen is also offering to include schools in the decision-making process for the selection of flashing light sites.

"According to the Roads Minister the RTA bases its selection criteria on "crash history and risk, traffic and pedestrian volumes, speed limits, road environment and visibility"", Mr Olsen said. "No mention is made of any input from schools and no account is taken of the near misses that schools and parents are aware of but that do not show up on RTA statistics.

"Many schools and parents have contacted me to complain that their pleas to the RTA for flashing lights at their schools have fallen on deaf ears.

"Schools, parents and teachers in the Liverpool, Fairfield and Blacktown Council areas are hereby officially invited to nominate school zones that they believe are most in need of flashing lights and their views will be taken into account. Requests can be submitted through the web site below. Home owners in those areas who live close to 40kmh signs are also invited to volunteer to host the flashing lights signs.

For more details contact:
Peter Olsen
13/55 The Grand Pde
Brighton-le-Sands 2216
9599-1811
0414-538-404
www.schoolzonelights.com.au

For Brydens Compensation Lawyers see
www.brydens.com.au

THis reply came in answer to a copy of an email I personaly handed to the roads Minister when he was at Peakhurst (one page back)
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There is an alternative to NO signs to advise drivers on what speed it is in "off duty" school zones. Very simple.

How about a sign like this when you are in a long school zone, or as you turn right into King Georges rd from Stoney Creek rd, the lack of any sign there has been the cause of so may court cases.
I've been to Sutherland Court(as a spectator) and seen it, a driver tries to explain that he didn't know what the speed was there, and the RTA man says to the Judge that any driver not knowing what the speed is, should then drive at the "default speed".

Default speed ????????
__________

"Oh no another different sign, no way, it would confuse drivers." could be the argument for a NO from the RTA.

Would one extra sign really be that difficult?

Drivers are meant to know a few different rules now, have a look down the left hand column of the link below and I think a new sign like the example above isn't too confusing.

I think the average driver would work it out

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/subordleg+179+2008+fn+0+n

_________________
27/ 11/09

As we have a new Roads Minister, Mr Michael Daley MP, I thought I would send an email.

Original Message -----
From: stephens1510
To: office@daley.minister.nsw.gov.au
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 10:47 AM
Subject: Beverly Hills School zone.

Dear Minister,
In July last year the RTA installed variable speed cameras at a school zone on King Georges rd Beverly Hills.
Even before the cameras were switched on I could see that because of the length of the school zone and many side streets entering it, that there would be carnage when they were activated, even though flashing lights are at both ends on King Georges Rd.
.
After an article in the local paper featuring a group of sad looking motorists holding up tickets I emailed the then roads minister Mr Roozendaal suggesting an extra set of flashing lights opposite Edgbason st to help South bound motorists (and make it safer for children, the whole idea for having school zones)
After 4 unanswered emails, I wrote to the Telegraph and then "coincidentally" an unhelpful reply came from Mr Roozendaal's office two days later.

30,000 infringements in the first three months would indicate that perhaps that more signage would be helpful.
To more easily illustrate the problem at Beverly Hills, I've brought forward the relevant page on my website
www.schoolzonesanta.com
Please have a look
We need road rule and to enforce them, but hammering average, unaware drivers is not the way to go.

More sixty signs and that extra flashing light unit at Beverly Hills, would go a long way in the public relations department.

Thank you for your time.

All the best in handling, what is a difficult portfolio.

Yours faithfully
Hans Stephens
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This reply came back a few days later.
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Original Message -----
From: Minister Daley's Office
To: stephens1510
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 9:34 AM
Subject: RE: Beverly Hills School zone.

Dear Mr Stephens,

Thank you for your email to the Hon Michael Daley MP, Minister for Roads.

The Minister has arranged for the matters raised to be examined and a response will be provided as soon as possible.

Office of the Minister for Roads

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As I said in the previous page the RTA doesn't like someone demonstrating a bit of common sense to solve a problem.

http://www.schoolzonelights.com.au/media2009-02-02.html

Here's a link from Peter's website to show what BS is trotted out to justify the RTA's refusal to even acknowledge the effectiveness of Peter's lights.
I have heard nothing but praise from locals in the Lurgano/Peakhurst area.
How easy is it for even locals who know where their school zones are, to forget

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

MEDIA RELEASE
11 February 2009

SCHOOL ZONE LIGHTS ROLLOUT SCHEDULE CALLED FOR

School Zone Lights campaigner, Peter Olsen, today called on the Roads Minister, Michael Daley, to release a list of the remaining 275 school zones (out of 11,000) that are to receive flashing lights under the Government's current $46.5M rollout program.

"On 3rd February 2009 the Roads Minister named the next 25 school zones that will receive flashing lights. The Minister said the other 75 school zones to have lights fitted this year would not be identified until "later in the year".

"The Government and RTA have spent tens of millions of dollars and 6 years trialling school zone flashing lights. Surely after all that time and money they know by now which schools "need them most", to use the Minister's words, or are they waiting for more child injuries or deaths before deciding?

"Many schools and parents have contacted me over the past 3 years to ask how they can get flashing lights installed at their schools. It is unacceptable that neither the Government nor the RTA can tell them if or when the RTA will be installing lights at their schools.

"The Minister claimed in his media release: “Nothing’s more important than the safety of our kids and our focus is on making travel to and from school as safe as possible."

"The RTA's report into flashing lights found that they reduced the risk of fatalities by 11% and injuries by 6% (1) . In spite of that 96% of school zones (10,500) will never have flashing lights and the Minister cannot even name those schools that will have. What "focus" on child safety does that show?

"Unlike the Government and RTA I will be making my flashing lights available to any school in NSW that wants them, because I believe that the schools themselves, not Government bureaucrats, are in the best position to know where the lights are needed most.

"The names of the next schools to receive my lights will be announced shortly. My intention is to install two sets of flashing lights to every set installed by the RTA, assuming the availability of sufficient sponsorship funding.

For more details contact:

Peter Olsen
13/55 The Grand Pde
Brighton-le-Sands 2216
9599-1811
0414-538-404
www.schoolzonelights,com.au
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It appears that the RTA is not impressed with Peter Olsen's Lights.

......................................................................

MEDIA RELEASE RTA
28 January 2009
FLASHING LIGHTS COST CLAIMS INCORRECT
The RTA has refuted claims by Peter Olsen that reliable flashing lights can be installed and maintained safely at schools for $1000.

“Mr Olsen has good intentions, but he is misinforming the public when he claims that effective flashing light systems can be provided in school zones for $1000,” a spokesperson said.

“Mr Olsen’s cost estimate of less than $1000 for the devices does not include any costs associated with the installation, including cabling for electricity.”

“The cost of installing Mr Olsen’s lights averages around $13,000 per zone when connection to the mains power supply is taken into account.

The spokesperson said the State Government announced in 2007 that it would rollout flashing lights to 100 school zones a year over four years at a cost of $46.5 million.

“Mr Olsen’s claim that the RTA’s system costs $58,000 to install is incorrect. The cost varies between $10,000 and $13,000 depending on the work involved at each individual site.

“The remainder of the funding is used for the set up and installation of the central computer system, ongoing maintenance of the signs and the central server, site surveying, design and other ongoing costs.

“Mr Olsen hasn’t included any of these items in his costings.
“Unlike RTA's flashing light technology, Mr Olsen’s flashing lights are not connected to a central system which controls the timing and operation of lights and alerts the RTA to any problems immediately.

“This centrally controlled system is essential to ensure our children remain safe as drivers slow down during the times when students are arriving and leaving school.

“Mr Olsen’s signs have to be operated and serviced manually; which means a fault could go unnoticed, putting the lives of our most vulnerable at risk.

“While the RTA welcomes Mr Olsen’s intentions, we cannot install potentially unsafe, unreliable and infrequently monitored systems when it is our children we are trying to protect.

“Children are unpredictable and the addition of effective flashing lights in school zones where traffic volumes are high is a priority.”

The spokesperson said the RTA had advertised for tenders for its design, maintenance and servicing of flashing lights on four separate occasions and Mr Olsen had not offered a proposal at any stage.

“To date more than 260 school zones have flashing lights and this number will grow by another 100 zones this year.”
CONTACT: RTA Media Unit 8588 5999

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Peter Olsen sent me this press release and he has a few comments and questions himself
........................................................................

MEDIA RELEASE
29 January 2009

RTA MISREPRESENTS FACTS ON SCHOOL ZONE FLASHING LIGHTS

In a media release issued by the RTA on 28 January 2009 a number of false and/or misleading claims were made:

1. The RTA claimed that I cannot provide flashing lights for $1,000.
I not only can but I have and will. The lights at Sophie Delezio's school cost $1,000 each and I am offering the same lights to any other school that wants them for the same price. I already have offers of sponsorship from several major companies to fund the lights.

2. The RTA claimed that the cost of installing my lights is $13,000 if mains power connection is included. It is presumably referring to lights installed on RTA signs.

The RTA prefers the use of solar power (even though it is energy negative in this application). I hereby offer to install a solar powered version of my lights on any RTA school zone sign in Sydney, including all installation costs, for $1,000.

3. The RTA claimed that the cost of its lights is not $58,000 per sign.
The RTA is spending $46.5M to install lights at 400 school zones, meaning 800 signs. $46.5M divided by 800 equals $58,125. Infrastructure costs are part of the overall cost per sign.

4. The RTA claimed that more than 260 school zones have flashing lights.
What it failed to reveal is that over 160 of those zones are using unreliable test systems installed as part of the 43-school trial held from 2003 - 2006 and/or the 100-school trial that commenced in January 2007. The Roads Minister has stated that those lights are unreliable and have poor performance:

Media release from Eric Roozendaal dated 21 May 2006:

"Mr Roozendaal said the trial of flashing lights at 43 schools had found the existing technology could reduce speeds but was unreliable... We need to put in place better and more effective technology... The operational performance of flashing light units was considered to be poor... On average each site recorded two faults in the 18 month period."

There are 303 school days in 18 months. Two faults in that period equals 99.3% reliability for the FIRST trial.

In relation to the lights used in the 100-school SECOND trial, Mr Rozendaal stated in a Media release dated 26th September 2007:

"The electronic warning systems used in the trial achieved a 98.2% reliability rating."

In other words the lights used in the second trial were less reliable than the lights used in the first trial, which the Roads Minister said were too unreliable.

5. The RTA claimed back-to-base monitoring is essential "to ensure our children remain safe as drivers slow down during the times when students are arriving and leaving school."

- We have documented examples of RTA lights with back-to-base monitoring being out of operation for up to a week. (Kingsway Miranda opp. University St out for a week in May 2007, Princes Highway Blakehurst out for a week around November 2008, many others out for 1-2 days.)

- Rather than installing lights without back-to-base monitoring the RTA and government's preferred option is to install no lights at all at 96% of school zones. What will "ensure our children remain safe as drivers slow down" at those schools?

6. The RTA claimed: “Mr Olsen’s signs have to be operated and serviced manually; which means a fault could go unnoticed, putting the lives of our most vulnerable at risk."

- The lights do not have to be operated manually. They are fully automatic.

- The only servicing is the updating of school holiday dates every 3 years or so via radio. The RTA's solar powered signs have to have their batteries replaced manually every 2-3 years.

- A fault cannot go unnoticed when hundreds of parents, teachers and students pass the signs every day.

7. The RTA claimed "we cannot install potentially unsafe, unreliable and infrequently monitored systems when it is our children we are trying to protect."

- Over 160 school zones (62%) are currently using lights that the Roads Minister has stated are unreliable.

- The 8 sets of lights I installed in Peakhurst and Lugarno are the ONLY model of lights that have operated with 100% reliability since the start of the RTA's 2007 trial.

- The RTA's 3-year trial at 43 schools found that "Type 1" lights (like mine at Peakhurst and Lugarno) reduced average traffic speeds by 50% more than "Type 3" lights. The lights currently being rolled out by the RTA are "Type 3" lights. (See http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/downloads/finalreport_flashinglights_2006.pdf p.vi para.1 and p.65 para.7.) How does that smaller reduction in average speeds help protect children?

8. The RTA claimed that I have not tendered for the lights.
They failed to reveal that I have GIVEN my technology to them to use FOR NOTHING, apart from reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for the Peakhurst and Lugarno lights. Why would I tender?

On 28th February 2007 I signed a Deed prepared by the RTA authorising the RTA to use my technology forever at no charge:

- Paragraph "C" on page 1 of the Deed states: "The RTA wishes to obtain the right to use the System Generally".
- Clause 2.1 on page 2 states: "The Supplier grants the RTA a non-exclusive licence in perpetuity to use the System for the Permitted Purpose".

- Clause 5.2 on page 4 states that the total I will ever be paid is: "the receipted costs paid by the Supplier to third parties for the components used to construct and install the System at the Sites." (Peakhurst and Lugarno).

In other words in return for giving the RTA the right to use my technology free of charge FOREVER they did not even offer to pay for the time I had spent developing and installing the systems. They did not even pay all of my out-of-pocket expenses: Quote (email dated 19/2/2007): "Also please note that I am unable to reimburse you for the IP56 box that was purchased for the Princes H'way Kogarah as it is not within the terms of our Agreement."

That was a $20 plastic box I used for my initial lights installation at Kogarah that the RTA tore down.

9. I hereby call on the RTA to publicly release the following information, much of was promised following the meeting with the Roads Minister on 11th December 2008 but not delivered:

1. Total number and exact street location of all lights signs yet to be installed as part of the $46.5m rollout.

2. Total supply, install and ancillary costs for each type of light installed or to be installed in the current rollout.

3. Ongoing maintenance cost for each type of light being used in the current rollout.

4. Ongoing monitoring cost for each type of light being used in the current rollout.

5. Names of successful tender companies involved in the current rollout and type(s) of lights each company supplies.

6. Total amount paid to each of the above companies to date.

7. Total amount of maintenance and other costs to be paid in the future per year to each of the above companies.

8. Total amount of the $46.5M spent to date.

9. Full details of all faults with all lights that were installed or that commenced operation since January 2007, including:

- Location of sign
- Type of sign and manufacturer
- Nature of fault
- Date and time fault occurred
- Date and time fault fixed
- Whether reported by back-to-base monitoring or not

10. Whose decision it was to use Type 3 lights in the current roll-out when the RTA's own comprehensive 3-year trial found that Type 1 lights reduced average traffic speeds by 50% more then Type 3 lights?

11. What is the statistical increase in risk of fatality to a child as a result of that 50% lesser reduction in average traffic speeds?

I will be seeking the above information via Freedom of Information or Parliament if it is not released.

I note that the NRMA strongly supports the use of more cost-effective lights as per their media release at http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/7819.htm

Any future signs installed by me under the current offer will use the fluorescent yellow-green colour advocated by the NRMA if available.

For more information contact:

Peter Olsen
13/55 The Grand Pde
Brighton-le-Sands 2216
9599-1811
0414-538-404
www.schoolzonelights.com.au
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This is from the category "About faulty flashing lights" (on right)

.....................................................................
.....................................................................
After a bit of shopping I headed home along The Kingsway Miranda, it was afternoon school zone time, and guess what?

The flashing lights on this large sign outside Miranda Fair weren't working. hello

I took the photo, drove about another 100 meters and

this sign also had non functioning flashing lights.

Across the road a bit further along The Kingsway, opposite University st. is this one

which hasn't worked since last Friday. (A week since I first saw it.)

All these lights are less than 5 months old and as they are solar powered are INDEPENDANT.

Peter Olsen when I told him, rang Alan Jones about these three lights not working, and they were all fixed that same day. Coincidence?????

Why were some school zone Lights working on Mothers Day and on Anzac Day??

$7.2 million for one hundred sites,

CURRRRCHING!!!!!

How many of the other 100 are also failing and what does all this cost?
Not to mention that if these "state of the art" lights aren't working, they aren't warning.

So much for the all important "Back to base" feature

We'll do this and we'll do that, and nothing or very little gets done.

We'll build a Rail line here, or a Metro there, and what happens?

We'll get tough on crime ............... etc.

When Peter Olsen sends out a media release saying he going to do something, it happens.

This is one of the four at the school.

A flashing light always attracts attention and when these lights are flashing it's school zone time.

By all accounts Peter's lights at Balgowlah Helghts Public School were well received by local residents and media alike.

Peter was all over the media today outlining what he wants to do with his flashing lights to make it safer for school children outside schools and also helping make drivers aware of exactly WHEN it's school zone time.

This is how Channel Nine saw the light.
:
http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-AU&brand=ninemsn&vid=cf3468f2-f5eb-43eb-bf01-082086948ebc

The RTA will argue that they are rolling out school zone lights at no cost to the tax payer because the funding comes out of revenue collected by speed cameras at school zones.

So people that cruise through a school zone like the one at Beverly Hills, at 4 in the morning, a deserted (at that time of day) three lane divided road,is hammered into paying for the few flashing lights that are installed.

Peter can install flashing lights at all schools by involving local businesses through them sponsoring his flashing lights.

Motorists would see the flashing lights, slow down and instead of paying a fine be happy with the fact "Joe the Fruiterer " sponsored the lights.

A win for the driver, and a win for Joe.

Which school will get the next set of Olsen lights?

MEDIA RELEASE
28 January 2009
SOPHIE DELEZIO'S SCHOOL GETS SCHOOL ZONE FLASHING LIGHTS

Sophie Delezio's school, Balgowlah Heights Public School on Lewis St, finally has school zone flashing lights.

Four sets of lights have been installed by Peter Olsen, the man who installed flashing lights at several schools in Peakhurst and Lugarno in 2006.

"Last December I met with the new Roads Minister, Michael Daley, and Ron Delezio in Peakhurst to show them my lights," Mr Olsen said.

"I suggested that all schools should have flashing lights, something that Ron Delezio is also keen to see. The Minister disagreed however and claimed that if all schools had flashing lights drivers could become "desensitized". He is content with lights being installed at just 4% of school zones over four years at a cost of $116,000 per school zone.

"The government clearly has no interest in protecting children at all schools. They seem more interested in protecting the revenue they collect from unsuspecting drivers who fail to realise what time it is.

"I have therefore decided to start my own roll-out of flashing lights, commencing with Sophie's school," Mr Olsen said. "They will be available to all schools in NSW that want them as outlined at www.schoolzonelights.com.au. There will be no cost to the schools or the taxpayer as they will be funded via sponsorship from local businesses. They cost under $1,000 per sign vs $58,000 for the RTA's lights.

"The signs are installed on private property adjacent to the 40kmh school zone signs so the RTA cannot touch them. If they object to them on the basis that they are unauthorised traffic signs they will first have to remove the tens of thousands of Council-issued signs on private property that read "Slow Down in My Street". If they object to the flashing lights they will also have to ban all flashing Christmas lights and the numerous flashing lights and neon signs outside shops and businesses.

"The signs have two flashing lights each side of the words "Check Speed". They deliberately do not say "School Zone" so that if they happen to malfunction there are no implications. The lights themselves are fully approved by the RTA for use in traffic management.

"The lights will go a long way towards improving road safety around schools and will also help to ensure that responsible drivers are not unfairly penalised.

"I wish to sincerely thank the four home owners near Sophie's school who made the installations possible."

For more information contact:
Peter Olsen
13/55 The Grand Pde
Brighton-le-Sands 2216
9599-1811
0414-538-404
www.schoolzonelights.com.au

The school year begins today and school zones are in operation but this ad in the Daily Telegraph, states that school starts next week.

On radio and TV today there have been questions put to ministers, and ministers giving excuses for this stuff up, and blaming others.

What would happen if one was detected "speeding" in a school zone today and told the police, SDRO or the judge that you couldn't have been speeding because the Government advertising said school hasn't commenced?

It appears to be all too hard

http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&task=view&id=4927

POLICE powers to wheel-clamp street racers' cars look destined for the scrapheap, with just nine cars clamped in a 12-month trial.

The Daily Telegraph can today reveal the State Government's street racing crackdown is failing to deter hoons on the roads, leading to calls for further legislative change.

A review of the wheel clamping trial - which began in September last year in Wollongong and Liverpool local area commands - is due next month. If successful, the trial was to be extended across the state.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/tough-car-law-trials-fail-to-deter-street-racers/story-e6freuy9-1225757233893

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Daily Telegraph 11/1/09

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This was the Daily Telegraph editorial 11/1/09

LAUGHABLE IDEA

CLAMP the hoons! That's the latest police plan to combat P-plate hoonery throughout NSW.

This tactic will involve the cars of offending drivers being clamped and immobilised in their owners' front yards.

Well, we've heard similar promises before. Cars were going to be cubed or otherwise permanently taken off the road.

Nothing much ever came of those promises, so we await with interest any developments on the clamping front.

There may be one or two problems with clamping, by the way. Say what you will about hoons, but many of them are very skilled mechanically. Those cars of theirs don't modify themselves.

How long do police imagine wheel clamps will last against teams of tooled-up hoons? Thirty minutes? A whole hour?

A more substantial disabling method may be in order. Otherwise, this tactic will be laughed off the street."

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I agree anybody with an angle grinder could easily remove a wheel clamp, but what if it is made clear that if an RTA or Police wheel clamp is illegally removed, the car is automatically forfeited and sold.

Having a car wheelclamped outside your house, would be a constant reminder to the affected driver, mates and neighbours that anti social behaviour won't be tolerated.

_____________

On 11/12/04 (four years ago)in my "P plate driver crisis" category I wrote about using wheelclamps to hobble drivers and spoke to MP Paul Gibson the then "Stay Safe Committe" chairman about using wheelclaps outside drivers homes, and also suggested it to the Pedestrian Council Of Australia Mr Scruby.

The "Pedestrian Council of Australia" why does that name always remind me of the "WORLD" series baseball competition,.... that they have only in the USA.

This letter I had printed in the Telegraph.

Why would a few wheel clamps cost $700,000 ???

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wheelclamps are well utilised in Victoria

Wheel-Clamping

If you do not pay a fine and you ignore all the reminders, your vehicle may be wheel-clamped.

The Sheriff can impose this sanction against you if you have an outstanding infringement warrant.

If this occurs, any vehicle registered in your name can be wheel-clamped. This can happen at any time, whether or not you have been given notice that this will occur.

Your vehicle may be wheel-clamped wherever it is parked, including at your home, work or at a roadblock.

To wheel-clamp your vehicle, a Sheriff's Officer may enter your vehicle or move your vehicle. A Sheriff's Officer can also require you to give them or a police officer the keys to your vehicle and can remove, dismantle or neutralise your vehicle's locking device. A Sheriff's Officer can demand identification from you if they suspect you are the person named in an infringement warrant. If you do not comply, or if you give false information, you can be fined.

If you clear your infringement warrants, the sanction will be lifted and the wheel-clamps removed.

If you do not clear your infringement warrants, this sanction will remain in place and your wheel-clamped vehicle may be impounded and then later sold.

It is a serious offence to tamper with or remove a wheel-clamp which has been fitted to a vehicle. The maximum penalty for a first offence is $6,805 or six months imprisonment.

How to avoid your vehicle being wheel-clamped

The best way to ensure your vehicle is not wheel-clamped is to pay your fines on time.

To ensure your vehicle is not wheel-clamped, you must clear your infringement warrants. To clear your infringement warrants you must pay the amount in full, obtain a payment order, (payment by instalments) or obtain revocation (cancellation) of the infringement warrant. Please note that the Infringements Court will only grant payment orders and revocations in certain circumstances.

For more information on 'wheel-clamping' or other sanctions, visit the Fines FAQs page.

To discuss 'wheel-clamping' and clear any outstanding fines, contact Civic Compliance Victoria on 1300 743 743.

Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy
Reviewed: 30/1/2009

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From a press release from the Pedestrian Council Of Australia 17/01/05

www.walk.com.au/pedestriancouncil/Page.asp?PageID=851 -

"We could also look at employing the latest technological devices such as block-boxes and wheel-clamps, so that the vehicle may be returned to the owner's home, but if driven, the authorities would know and the driver arrested and possibly incarcerated."

TO GET BACK TO HOME PAGE CLICK ON SANTA FIGURE AT TOP OF PAGE

THis reply came in answer to a copy of an email I personaly handed to the roads Minister when he was at Peakhurst (one page back)
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There is an alternative to NO signs to advise drivers on what speed it is in "off duty" school zones. Very simple.

How about a sign like this when you are in a long school zone, (or any school zone)in Beverly Hills as you turn right into King Georges rd from Stoney Creek rd, because the lack of any sign there has been the cause of so may court cases.
I've to Sutherland Court and seen it, A driver tries to explain that he didn't know what the speed was, and the RTA man says to the Judge that any driver not knowing what the speed is a, should then drive at the "default speed". ????????
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"Oh no another different sign, no way, it would confuse drivers." could be the argument for a NO from the RTA.

Would one extra sign really be that difficult?

Drivers are meant to know a few different rules now, have a look down the left hand column of the link below and I think a new sign like the example above isn't too confusing.

I think the average driver would work it out

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/subordleg+179+2008+fn+0+n