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The number of motorists caught running red lights at school pedestrian crossings has surged by 46 per cent, figures obtained by RAA reveal.
The alarming increase in red light offences – up from 2542 in 2020 to 3710 last year – has prompted an RAA road safety warning as school resumes for tens of thousands of students from Monday.
Worryingly, latest police figures also show a 3 per cent increase in the number of drivers caught on camera speeding through school pedestrian crossings, up from 17,156 in 2020 to 17,739 last year.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said it was concerning that these traffic offences had increase at such locations for the first time since 2017.
“Drivers must be aware that speeding, running red lights and failing to give way can have potentially catastrophic consequences,’’ Mr Mountain said.
“Pedestrians – especially young children – are among the most vulnerable road users and RAA urges motorists to be vigilant and cautious around schools.’’
Mr Mountain urged drivers to observe the 25km/h limit when students were present in school zones, and he reminded drivers to watch out for children at these locations and be ready to stop.
“It’s important to remember that the lower speed limits apply whenever children are present and that can be outside of school hours and at weekend sporting activities,’’ Mr Mountain said
He also said school crossings would once again be in use during drop off and pick up times.
“It’s important to remember that when the amber lights at crossings are flashing or the orange flags are out it means the crossing are in operation so slow down and be prepared to stop,’’ Mr Mountain said.
He also said school crossings would once again be in use during drop off and pick up times.
“Drivers should be aware that pedestrian crossings with traffic signals on major roads near schools will be in more frequent use from today,” he said.
“They should also remember that parked vehicles can make it harder for drivers to spot younger children trying to cross the road.
“Parents and care givers should be careful not to double park or park in driveways when dropping off or picking up the kids.’’
Mr Mountain said traffic volumes would also be impacted by the commencement of term two.
“Traffic increases with the return to school, so all commuters should allow greater travelling time if they’ve been leaving a little later over the past couple of weeks,’’ he said.
Mr Mountain said RAA will help to educate more than 20,000 primary aged students and more than 2000 pre-school children about road safety this school year. RAA’s Street Smart Primary educators will visit more than 300 schools and 60 kindergartens across SA.
SA school pedestrian crossings with more red light offences
| Site address | School | Red Light Offences | Fines | VOC Levy |
| Portrush Rd, LINDEN PARK | Linden Park Primary School | 515 | $257,933 | $46,948 |
| Kensington Road, KENSINGTON PARK | Marryatville Primary School | 474 | $237,246 | $43,174 |
| Marion Road, ASCOT PARK | Ascot Park Primary School | 364 | $182,056 | $33,120 |
| Goodwood Rd, GOODWOOD | Goodwood Primary School | 302 | $151,097 | $27,484 |
| Diagonal Rd, GLENELG EAST | Glenelg Primary School | 257 | $128,435 | $23,378 |
| South Rd, BLACKFOREST | Black Forest Primary School | 235 | %117,658 | $21,412 |
| St Bernards Rd, MAGILL | Norwood Morialta High School | 170 | $85,049 | $15,474 |
| Beach Road, MORPHETT VALE | Calvary Lutheran Primary School | 166 | $83,461 | $15,200 |
| Portrush Rd/Phillips St, KENSINGTON | Mary Mackillop College | 162 | $81,189 | $14,774 |
| Torrens Rd, WOODVILLE NORTH | Woodville High School | 153 | $76,644 | $13,956 |