Families at Port Douglas State School will have added peace of mind that students will get to school safely with improved pedestrian upgrades coming in time for the 2020 school year.

Flashing warning lights will be installed at the busy pedestrian crossing near Port Douglas Road and Agincourt Street and will activate during school times to help students crossing the busy road.

This has been a big issue concerning parents for years as many children dodge traffic crossing the road to get to and from school.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the lights are to improve awareness and make the road safer for all road users, particularly school students.

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“Flashing warning lights will be positioned on the existing pedestrian warning signs to reinforce the message to motorists,” Ms Lui said.

“We know school children can be unpredictable around roads so these lights will be activated during school hours to alert drivers of the peak crossing times and encourage them to slow down.

"We take the safety of motorists and pedestrians seriously and it is essential students can travel to and from school in the safest way possible.”

Ms Cynthia Lui said that she would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Port Douglas State School, the P&C and Douglas Shire Council who have been advocating for this to happen since 2015. 

“It was great that I was able to help deliver this outcome for families and young ones travelling to and from school in the safest way possible.”

President of the Port Douglas State School P&C, Janice Ruffles, said she is pleased with this outcome and thanked the many people involved in making it possible including Port Douglas Police Sgt Damian Meadows who she said played a big part in advocating for a safe crossing for the students.

"I’m thrilled with the news as I’m sure the rest of the current and past P&C committee and members are too," she said. 

Installation of the flashing warning lights is expected to be finished in time for the new school year, weather permitting.