After concerns were raised by staff and parents at Lynwood Senior High School, the City of Canning Council has moved a motion to formally review pedestrian safety along Metcalfe Road in Parkwood, including in the school zone directly outside the school.
With the opening of a performing arts, music, and visual arts block in March, a new access point was established at the high school, resulting in a shift in pedestrian traffic from High Road to Metcalfe Road.
After meeting with Principal Emma Walker and observing pedestrian movements, Deputy Mayor Amader Spencer-Teo and Councillor Ivonne Rodriguez said in the motion that they believe it is clear there are significant concerns regarding student and pedestrian safety along Metcalfe Road in Parkwood.
“With over 1100 students exiting the school within a short space of time by foot, then by vehicle, this area has become incredibly dangerous.” the motion stated.
“The school principal is so concerned that she personally acts as a crossing guard at the exit of the school to ensure students are safe when leaving in the afternoon.”
“However, with multiple vehicle exit points within metres of each other and no clear guidance for pedestrian movement, it is impossible to ensure all pedestrians are safe.”
The City’s review will examine the placement of the School Zone crossing and speed signs on Metcalfe and High Roads, the positioning of the pedestrian refuge island outside the school, and the timing of traffic signals at the intersection.
It will also look at the effectiveness of electronic flashing speed limit signs, the need for rail barriers on Metcalfe Road, and the possibility of adding a pedestrian ‘zebra’ crosswalk near Lynwood Senior High School.
Additionally, the review will consider parking restrictions on Metcalfe Road and surrounding streets affected by traffic during school pickup times.
While Deputy Mayor Amanda Spencer-Teo said she is thankful the school’s leadership and local parents raised their concerns with the council, she suggested that earlier communication regarding the planned access changes could have helped them prevent the safety concerns.
“High Road has a speed limit of 70km, redirecting students to a local road which carries a speed limit of 50km (40km during school days) makes sense; however, this should have been done in consultation and in conjunction with the City of Canning, which would have enabled us to be proactive, rather than reactive,” Ms Spencer-Teo said.
“Though the school upgrades have provided modern facilities, they have changed the way students access the school.”
“Student safety is paramount, and I believe we need to review the arrangements around Lynwood SHS to ensure the infrastructure helps students access the school as safely as possible.”
Separately, during last week’s council meeting, the council voted to close the thoroughfare of Elderberry Drive at Zelkova Way and transform it into a cul-de-sac, with new access provided from Metcalfe Road.
This change is expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for students by encouraging drivers to reassess their pickup locations and navigate through the local neighbourhood.
The City’s report on pedestrian safety along Metcalfe Road is scheduled to be presented to the council in March of next year.
