More than 1000 speeding infringements were issued in Sunshine Coast school zones last year, prompting the rollout of new flashing signs at high-risk sites.
The new speed limit signs will be installed at Kawana Waters State College, Coolum State School and Mooloolaba State School, as part of a statewide initiative targeting 100 school zones to improve child safety and reduce speeding.
Almost $7 million has been allocated to install and maintain the signs.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek and Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg issued a media release outlining the scale of speeding in school zones and the measures taken to tackle it.
More than 12,380 infringement notices were issued to speeding motorists in 40km/h school zones around Queensland in 2024. More than 60 children were injured as a result of a crashes in school zones, with around 30 of those casualties hospitalised.
South Brisbane topped the list of hotspots, with almost 2560 speeding fines issued. The Sunshine Coast was amid the top five, with 1056.
The school zones selected for flashing signs were identified based on a comprehensive assessment of crash history, pedestrian activity, traffic volume, speed limits, visibility concerns, and feedback from school communities.
Research shows flashing school zone signs lead to a 45 per cent reduction in the number of motorists exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/hr significantly improving driver behaviour during school hours.
Mr Mickelberg said the rollout would help students have safe journeys to and from school.
“Children are one of our most vulnerable road users and we will continue to implement road safety measures to improve safety around schools,” he said.
Mr Mickelberg said the upgraded signs complemented a raft of measures to improve road safety, including the parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility use, more speeding enforcement measures and a $25.5 billion investment into Queensland’s road network during the next four years.
“This is about delivering programs, initiatives and projects that help protect lives on our roads,” he said.
Mr Langbroek said driver awareness in school zones was paramount to helping save lives.
“Every child deserves to feel safe on their way to and from school,” he said.
“These flashing signs are a simple but powerful reminder to drivers to slow down and stay alert.
“We’re listening to school communities and acting on their concerns to make school zones safer across Queensland.”
