limits.

The Staysafe Committee handed down a report this week calling for tougher fines for speeding in school zones governed by flashing lights.

It also recommended that flashing lights be installed at all schools across NSW.

Committee chairman Liberal MP Greg Aplin said since lights had been introduced in 1992, pedestrian casualties in the state’s 10,000 school zones had decreased by 45 per cent.

“The committee was told there is much confusion surrounding current operating hours and road rules governing school zones,” Mr Aplin said in a statement.

“The report recommends the installation of flashing lights at all schools in NSW, to assist motorists in knowing when the 40km/h limit applies.”

The committee also recommended safety awareness campaigns run by Roads and Maritime Services and the Department of Education be aimed at students, teachers, parents and carers, he said.

“Additionally, motorists should be educated more thoroughly on school zones as part of driver education licensing requirements,” Mr Aplin said.

However, the committee had not recommended extending school zones hours beyond the standard periods between 8am and 9.30am, and between 2.30pm and 4pm, despite media reports suggesting this was the case.

In Tamworth, some school zones have flashing lights while others don’t. On Hillvue Rd, St Edward’s Primary School has no lights on its school zone signs, but 400 metres further along the road, Hillvue Public School has a flashing light version of the same sign.