Concerned parents called for safer crossings at busy intersections and more parking during a community meeting at Drouin Primary School on Thursday night.
While families were encouraged to consider other options such as walking and riding bikes to school to assist in reducing traffic flow in the area, many parents expressed safety concerns around children attempting to cross busy intersections at Albert Rd and Sinclair St.
VicRoads plan to establish a pedestrian refuge at Sinclair St, subject to funding becoming available.
Other considerations for the area include new turning lanes at the intersection of Princes Way and Albert Rd and an extended turning lane into School Rd.
One parent said children were already playing Russian roulette at the busy Albert Rd intersection.
Baw Baw Shire Council will lobby VicRoads for better signalling of intersection (pedestrian operated signal and/or additional warning signs) or provision for a roundabout.
An additional 16 car parks will be provided as part of the early learning centre, target completion date of end of calendar year, which will be located in the rear corner of Drouin Primary School land.
Council also have provision for an additional 27 car parks along Grant St, subject to budget.
Parent Graham Ellis-Williams said if children could cross busy streets safely, parents would be able to park further away from the school to collect their children.
"Our boy is in grade three so he is capable of using his own two feet, so we park further away in Victoria St," he said.
"If there were crossings for safety, those who didn't need to park close to the school wouldn't."
Baw Baw Shire Council chief executive Helen Anstis noted VicRoads determine the need for additional school crossings, and council would welcome a petition from the school.
It was noted during the meeting that the Victoria St nature strip is deep, allowing provision for further parking.
Published in the Warragul & District Gazette, March 24, 2015