CHRISTIAN Brothers College Fremantle is caught in a Catch-22 over a set of flashing lights it wants installed on High Street to warn motorists to slow down during morning and afternoon pick-ups.

A few years ago the Christian college qualified for lights and had them installed on Ellen Street, where most of the students get dropped off.

Deputy principal Gary Bailey said the school was also concerned about the number of cars speeding down High Street where students who catch the bus get dropped off, with a police speed trap nabbing around 20 cars on Tuesday morning.

Greater risk

But Main Roads has told the school it’s only entitled to one set of warning lights, and if it wants to move them from Ellen Street it will cost $40,000.

Mr Bailey said although cars generally travel slower on Ellen Street, the school is concerned that moving the lights would expose too many students to a greater risk amongst the hurly-burly of pick-ups and drop-offs.

He said they contacted Fremantle council and Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk, who both supported the school’s request.

“Emma Herrick, Simone McGurk’s assistant did a great job for us to no avail.

“With our school, unless you know CBC, coming down the road it doesn’t look like a school, so a lot of people aren’t slowing down to 40.” Mr Bailey said the school told students to walk down to the crossing lights at the intersection of Parry Street, but acknowledges that for a time-hungry teen it was a big temptation to risk the traffic and avoid the longer walk.

Also backing CBC’s campaign is Rosemary Fielder, one of the motorists who copped a $100 fine on Tuesday. “After I was booked I went back and had a chat about it with the police officer, who agreed that flashing signs were needed there, as the signage is inadequate,” Ms Fielder said.

by STEVE GRANT