Calls for manned pedestrian crossing at Harrisdale schools

A HARRISDALE parent is calling for a manned pedestrian crossing to help students across busy Gracefield Boulevard.

Local mother Penny Stoysic, who has children at both Harrisdale Primary and Harrisdale Senior High School, said she first noticed the difficulty of the road when she began walking to school with them.

“I was seeing how hard it was for me, as an adult, to cross the road,” she said.

“I mentioned something to a friend and she said the school had grown significantly and this was the worst year ever (for traffic).

“Mostly they drive, not stopping, I have witnessed drivers going fast, be impatient and non-courteous and I have witnessed kids nearly being hit by cars.”

She said there should be a premium placed on child safety.

“The schools have grown enormously and this is imperative to have children being able to cross safely at the school,” she said.

Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai said his discussions with the Harrisdale Primary P&C on the issue were ongoing.

“I have met with the P&C to discuss their concerns about traffic and road safety during school drop off and pick-up times,” he said.

“The large student populations at Harrisdale primary and senior high school have resulted in high volumes of traffic during peak hours as well as traffic congestion.

“Creating one safe point of crossing for students, with a warden, would improve safety for students and peace of mind for drivers.

“I understand that there have been discussions between Harrisdale primary school and high school and their P&C associations about making a joint application for a warden to service both schools and I fully support this.

“The high student numbers and traffic volumes indicate that the schools should meet the criteria for a warden.”