Hugh McDermott MP,
Member for Prospect
Hugh McDermott MP, the State Member for Prospect, has today introduced a Bill to the Parliament of NSW which will improve the safety of children and pedestrians in school zones.
The Road Transport Amendment (Prohibition of U-Turns and 3-Point Turns) Bill 2021 will prohibit conducting U-Turns and 3-Point Turns in the vicinity of school zones during drop off and pick up times.
Dr McDermott drafted the Bill after extensive consultation with the NSW Police Force, members of the NSW Teachers Federation, Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW, Local Government Association and the NRMA.
As the law currently stands, U-Turns and 3-Point Turns are permitted in school zones in certain circumstances. This allows drivers to make dangerous manoeuvres such as backing into driveways where pedestrians are walking and conduct 3-point turns over child safety crossings.
“I have been contacted by local police officers, local government traffic enforcement offices, teachers and parents who are all concerned with pedestrian safety around our schools”
“By prohibiting U-Turns and 3-Point turns in school zones during drop off and pick up times, ambiguity around the road rules are lifted. Police officers can properly enforce the road rules and parents and teachers can feel assured that the roads are safer for our children.”
“Reports show a number of children have been tragically killed or received serious injuries in school zones due to 3-Turns and U-Point Turns. We all want our children to get to and from school safely, the road rules must change.”
