City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s confirmation of $100,000 funding from its Capital Grants Program to match Council’s $100,000, which will support road crossing safety projects in Palmerston.

“Council is committed to improving the safety of our road networks, and the dollar-for-dollar funding complements Council’s commitment to install Electronic Speed Limit Signs (ESLS) to improve road crossing safety within school zones.” she said. 

I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government and in particular Eva Lawler, the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, for their commitment.”

Minister Lawler said, “Palmerston is the fastest growing city in the Territory and this grant will support our community’s rapid population and infrastructure growth.”

“This collaborative approach to funding this project will strengthen outcomes for our community and complement work being undertaken by Council to achieve its vision of A Place for People,” she added.

There are currently approximately 17 school crossings across our local road network. Council has recently installed permanent ESLS in the Driver Primary School zone area. ESLS appear to have a strong and long-lasting influence on driver observance of vehicle speeds, with studies identifying speed reduction being more effective the longer the speed feedback signs are in the location.

As part of the roll-out Council will work collaboratively with schools, of which a number are already requesting this action, as well as look at an education campaign to support the program. A priority program is being developed taking into consideration a variety of factors. It is envisaged that all schools will have this treatment applied within 24 months.

Mayor Pascoe-Bell said she was sure the Palmerston community would be delighted with the news and looks forward to seeing the works get underway. It is anticipated that the first few new ESLS will be operational for the commencement of this year’s 4th school term.

Both the Mayor and the Minister also took the opportunity to remind drivers to take extra care around schools with students returning from holidays this week.

“With so many students returning to school this week, we encourage drivers to use slow down and be extra cautious around schools to ensure the safety of our young people” they said.