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Holroyd to install flashing lights in all school zones

Holroyd City Council is installing flashing lights in all school zones within the area. The initiative is thought to be a first in Australia and will incur no cost to Council.

Located 25 kilometres west of Sydney, Holroyd covers 40 square kilometres and is home to more than 90,000 people.

Holroyd Mayor, Councillor John Brodie, said the innovative arrangement for the design, supply and installation of the flashing lights is saving Council an estimated $3 million.

“Earlier this year, Council called for expressions of interest to provide flashing lights outside Holroyd’s schools,” he said. “Tendering companies were required to come up with an idea as to how the lights could be installed at no cost to Council. Five companies tendered. In determining the best offer, a rigorous process looked at each company’s fees, relevant experience, management skills, occupational health and safety, as well as design and specifications.”

Sydney based company, the Claude Group, installed the first flashing light in June, with the rest expected to be installed by the end of the year. In return, the Claude Group is working through a development application process to select suitable sites to install illuminated street signs in Holroyd with capacity to advertise. Revenue raised from the advertising is expected to cover the entire costs of installing the lights.

“This is a great deal that demonstrates Council is serious about making our streets safer for children,” Mayor Brodie said. “Research has convincingly shown that flashing lights at school zones mean drivers are more likely to travel closer to the 40 kilometre per hour speed limit. 

“Although Council had to pioneer a way of funding the installation of these signs, our younger generation is too important for us not to make this investment in their safety.”

For further information contact Holroyd’s Manager Traffic and Development, Zulphi Khan, on (02) 9840 9875.