Qld: Go-slow zones should apply to childcare centres: Opp

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2004
Qld: Go-slow zones should apply to childcare centres: Opp

BRISBANE, April 15 AAP - The Queensland Opposition today called for reduced speed zones
around schools to be extended to childcare centres, following an accident involving 10
young children earlier this week.

Twelve people, including 10 children, were taken to hospital on Tuesday, after a car
collided with a bus belonging to a childcare centre at Springfield in Brisbane's south-west.

The seven and eight-year-olds suffered minor injuries including neck and back pains.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said the 40kph limit imposed on motorists
around schools during certain hours should be extended to apply to childcare centres.

"These safety speed zones have been very successful around schools, we believe it is
time that they were also introduced around childcare centres," Ms Simpson said.

"Many of the dangers associated with the mixture of motor vehicles, children and parents
exist at childcare centres, just as they do at schools.

"With the increasing number of childcare centres, it is time for these reduced speed
zones to be provided to the users of these facilities as well."

Ms Simpson said the government should use the same criteria used in the School Environment
Safety Guidelines to determine appropriate locations and restrictions.

AAP nt/ch/cjh/de

KEYWORD: SPEED

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