Mitchell Shire Council was honoured to be recognised in the 2022 National Awards for Local Government.
Council's School Crossing SafetyCam Initiative received the Road Safety award, which recognises local government projects that address the specific safety needs of vulnerable groups or target specific road user risk factors.
The initiative is seeing cameras installed at all school crossings in the shire to keep local students, parents, crossing supervisors and all crossing users safe.
Cameras have been installed at selected crossings in the Shire, with more to come later this year.
The cameras will capture video and audio of all traffic passing through school crossings and were installed due to reports of drivers speeding through school crossings, failing to stop, and abusing crossing supervisors.
The cameras are mounted on posts each day by crossing supervisors using brackets made by the Broadford Men's Shed.
Bespoke covers made especially for this project ensure a clear image of vehicle number plates in all weather conditions.
If there is an incident, the footage will be downloaded from the camera and passed on to local police. Signage will also be installed to alert drivers to the cameras.
Everyone driving around our schools has a responsibility to take care on the roads, particularly during the peak pick up and drop off times.
Children, especially those in primary years, can be unpredictable and difficult to see.
School crossing supervisors will be working to help children cross safely as they travel to and from school and all drivers are asked to follow their instructions.
Adults should also lead by example and cross at the designated crossings.
