Be aware of SAM near schools

SPEED Awareness Monitors (SAMs) are now operational near two Geelong schools, with the aim of reducing vehicle speeds and increasing safety around school crossings.The City of Greater Geelong is trialling the “Speed Awareness Monitors program – Drive Slow for SAM” initiative on Moolap Station Road near Moolap Primary School and Mount Pleasant Road, Highton near Montpellier Primary School

The SAMs are designed to reduce speed and change driver behaviour in high pedestrian areas. Previous trials at other councils have been successful with data indicating drivers initially alerted of exceeding the speed limit dropped their speed by more than 8kmh on average.

The signage displays each vehicle’s speed and then either a green smiley face for those within the speed limit or a red sad face for those exceeding it.

The emojis are also intended to engage young children so that they will encourage their parents and carers to slow down when driving in the area.

The emojis can be updated for seasonal holidays such as Christmas and Easter or major events such as the AFL Grand Final.

This variety helps prevent driver fatigue from seeing the same signs and serves as a continual reminder to drive safely.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the city introduced the new initiative to enhance school crossing safety.

“By slowing down behind the wheel, we are making our school crossings safer for school children, families and school staff at Moolap Primary School and Montpellier Primary School,” he said. “Our new Speed Awareness Monitors will remind drivers that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, as we work towards our Vision Zero goal.”

Cr Ron Nelson, who chairs the council’s City Transport portfolio, said the SAMs were installed to protect the most vulnerable community members.

“We are excited to trial these monitors which have had success in other municipalities and led to a drop in speed of 8.1 km/h by drivers exceeding the speed limit.

“Council looks forward to seeing the results of a comprehensive project evaluation following the trial, which will gauge the effectiveness of this initiative at these locations.”

SAMs do not have number plate recognition. They only record how many vehicles pass the monitors and their speed.