My thanks to all who have taken the time to complete the survey on traffic flow in the past week. I look forward to the full analysis in the future.
The data to date has highlighted a concern. An alarming, number of parents have mentioned that an increased number of cars are parked along Great Northern Highway in the afternoon. Many are parked on the other side of the highway and students are attempting to cross the highway during peak traffic. Parents are apparently parking there and expect their children to meet them.
This is a highly dangerous practice and one I cannot leave unaddressed. Our children are too precious to place at risk.
I know the traffic is frustrating and we are doing all we can while increasing pressure on Main Roads and the Minister for Transport. I have worked in several schools in WA and Queensland and in most, there is traffic congestion in the intense period between 3:00pm and 3:45pm.
Yes, there are some delays. We cannot always park where we wish to, someone else will tell us where we can and cannot park, but our children come to a wonderful College, they are educated and cared for by outstanding staff and, in the end, the traffic congestion only lasts for about 30-35 minutes each afternoon. Not such a big deal compared to everything else in our world.
When we look at the philosophical basis of community, we gain something when we live in association with others. I cannot build a home, do not grow my own food, or build the computer I am using right now – I do not have these skills, but others do, and by living here I get access to their skills. In order to live here, I have to accept the laws of the state and the country, pay taxes etc and accept that most of the problems we face qualify as “first world” problems.
Please work on developing pick up strategies that allow you to minimize the impact on you and your children and we will continue to work with the authorities to ease the problems in the short and longer term.
Adrian Scott
Principal