School zone speeding continues

Police are frustrated that drivers are continuing to speed through school zones despite high-visibility flashing speed signs installed more than 12 months ago.

While the number of drivers caught speeding in the first week of school dropped marginally this year, police say motorists are not paying attention.

Flashing 40km/h signs were installed at four school zones in Albany at the start of the 2013 school year, but damning statistics show they have had little impact.

In just three days last week, a Multanova nabbed 70 speeding motorists in three Albany school zones.

Police also spent 88 hours monitoring school zones, issuing another 30 infringements for speeding and 28 cautions.

There were only 10 more offences at the same time last year, with 65 drivers caught by the Multanova and 45 infringements handed out.

Great Southern traffic enforcement Sergeant Peter May said because of the flashing speed signs, there was now no excuse for speeding in a school zone.

“At the end of the day it’s a huge flashing sign, so you would think the amount of drivers speeding would be zero, it’s so obvious,” he said.

“Those getting caught are either not paying attention or don’t care.

“Any speed is unacceptable, there is sufficient advertising on the news broadcasts leading up to the school year and I feel there is no acceptable reason to be speeding.”

The flashing LED-powered signs were identified as a priority ahead of the 2012 State Budget and backed by strong community campaigning with a petition of more than 500 signatures.

Sgt May said the school zone campaign would continue until drivers got the message.

Police have also charged a 17-year-old L-plate driver with reckless driving. He was allegedly travelling at 148km/h in a 90km/h zone on Saturday afternoon.

Police said the Albany teenager was detected on Link Road about 4.40pm while accompanied by an adult.

His car was seized and police revoked his learner’s permit. He will appear in court at a later date.