Wembley is fourth worst suburb for speeding in school zones

WEMBLEY was the fourth worst suburb in Perth for speeding in school zones last year, according to figures released by the State Government this week.

In 2016, 669 motorists were caught speeding in school zones in the suburb.

Scarborough topped the list, with 1125 infringements issued last year, averaging more than five motorists caught speeding each day.

Meadow Springs – with 1017 infringements – was second, moving down a notch after topping the list in 2015 with 892.

Gosnells came in third with 799, and Balcatta rounded out the top five with 619 fines issued.

Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said the number of fines related to speeding in school zones increased from 2015, despite almost all schools across the State now having flashing 40km/h signs to warn motorists of the limit.

The signs, funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account, are there to remind motorists when school was back in session and the hours motorists need to be vigilant around schools.

Mrs Harvey said with students back to school this week, motorists needed to pay attention and not put young lives at risk.

“These speed limits are in place for a reason,” she said.

“Children can be unpredictable near the road and are extremely vulnerable if hit by a car, so please take care and obey the flashing school-zone signs.”

Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the $36 million installation of the flashing signs would be completed by the end of the coming school term.

“The remaining schools are either new campuses or waiting on civil and electrical work,” he said.

Road Safety Commissioner Kim Papalia said the Government had invested in flashing signs to make motorists aware of the 40km/h limit, but ultimately the safety of children was in the hands of drivers.

“Nobody wants to be that person who is responsible for the loss of a young life,” he said.