Ellen Stirling PS parents fear for students’ safety

Jenni Kimber said there had been a number of “near-misses” between students and cars at the intersection of Strathmore Parkway and Cardowan Drive, between Ellen Stirling Primary School and Holy Cross College, because of the volume of cars and students using the road.

“Kids are playing chicken when they cross the road – it’s very dangerous,” she said.

Ellen Stirling Primary School representative Rob Howes said he had been in contact with the City of Swan and Main Roads about either altering the roads or putting in a guard-controlled children’s crossing at the intersection.

He said he had been discussing the issue with the City of Swan for at least two years, but a solution was needed now.

“I want the decision-makers to come together and come up with a solution without any delays, because if nothing is done we’re going to end up with a tragedy,” he said.

City of Swan chief executive Mike Foley said City officers had attended the site multiple times and had worked with the school to improve pedestrian safety.

He said over the past five years, the City had assisted with warden crossings and parking restriction signs in the area around the school.

“Over the past 12 months, City staff have assisted the school in planning a warden crossing over Strathmore Parkway,” he said.

Mr Foley said police authorised and managed school crossings and an application needed to be lodged with that agency.

“The City is willing to support an application of this nature and modify existing infrastructure to accommodate the crossing once it has been approved,” he said.

“Some footpath improvements are also planned for the 2017-18 financial year to improve pedestrian connectivity to the school.”

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