Council joins with schools to improve safety for local families

12 July 2021

Ipswich City Council has welcomed three additional schools into its School Safe Parking Program to help improve safety for local families as Term Three of the school year kicks off.

St Joseph’s Primary School at North Ipswich and Collingwood Park State School have joined for the first time, while Fernbrooke State School at Redbank Plains has re-joined the program.

Cameras to monitor driver behaviour have been installed at the three schools to help improve parking and promote safe road travel during busy school pick-up and drop-off times.

Mayor Teresa Harding said Council was committed to improving safety on local roads.

“Illegal parking behaviour at schools puts the safety of school children and others at risk,” Mayor Harding said.

“Schools can play a leading role in improving safety for students during drop-off and pick-up times.

“The School Safe Program supports schools to encourage behaviour change by providing key tools and resources to educate parents and motorists on safe road travel and creating a safer environment for school children.”

Mayor Harding said the School Safe Parking Program was about collaboration with the community.

“Council has worked closely with these three schools in recent months to discuss the benefits of the program,” Mayor Harding said.

“All schools were enthusiastic about being involved in the program which will hopefully bring about positive behavioural change and lead to improved safety outcomes for local students.”

As well as fixed cameras, the School Safe Parking Program targets hotspots using number plate recognition patrol cars.

School Safe Parking Program and Active School Travel Resources are available at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/live/parking/school-safe-parking-program

Schools wanting to take part in the School Safe Parking Program can email schoolsafe@ipswich.qld.gov.au or call council on 3810 6666.