State Labor MP's in the Hunter say the results of a new school safety survey shows parents want their children to be able to safely walk, cycle or use public transport to get to school.
The NSW opposition has conducted a survey of more than 3,400 parents across the state to hear their concerns about safety near and around schools.
Around 1,000 parents took part in the survey in the Newcastle, Charlestown, Wallsend and Maitland electorates, with 431 respondents alone in Newcastle.
The survey identified some common themes across the region which parents would like to see addressed.
These include concerns about:
* lack of footpaths
* safer crossing points on main roads
* poor driver behaviour around schools
* better access to public transport
Parents also want to see improvements to drop-off zones, parking and cycling infrastructure around local schools.
State Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said the survey also showed parents want their children to be able to use "active" forms of transport, such as walking and cycling or use public transport instead of travelling in private vehicles to get to and from school, but parents say there is a lack of infrastructure to encourage this.
"Parents want their children to be able to use active forms of transport to get to and from school. They know the benefits of having active kids, but many feel it's just not safe," she said.
State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crackenthorp said the results of the survey identified some excellent projects that could be funded in a post-COVID stimulus package.
"At some stage all of my kids have been able to walk to school, which has been great for their independence and confidence," he said.
"The large volume of responses to this survey clearly demonstrates that many other parents would like this opportunity too, and how a relatively small investment from the Government could remove countless cars from the morning and afternoon peaks."
"Improving crossings and walking and cycling paths would be perfect infrastructure projects to support local jobs while increasing safety in a post-COVID economy," he said.
The opposition is urging the government to build the infrastructure and provide the services to give families across the state the option to ride, walk or take public transport to and from school.
The Bicycle Network says over one million kids travel to and from school each day and the majority continue to be driven, compared to 40 years ago when 70% rode or walked. Data from Infrastructure Australia shows these short trips add to congestion on our roads, with the cost of congestion in Sydney alone set to increase from $8.1 billion in 2016 to $15.9 billion in 2031.
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| Labor Survey: Hunter parents wants improvements to school crossings and infrastructure Picture qt.com.au |
