New permanent Speed Awareness Monitors (SAM) will be rolled out in 14 Brisbane suburbs to keep children safe as schools return for the 2023 year.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the additional signs will be operational from tomorrow, as part of Brisbane City Council’s $4.1 million investment in school safety initiatives.

“Return to school is an exciting time for Brisbane families but all the extra activity on our roads can be distracting for drivers,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Our SAMs act as visual reminders to alert drivers to their speed and encourage them to slow down.

The SAM program has proven to be incredibly effective since launching in 2013.

Across all SAM locations, motorists exceeding the speed limit slowed by an average of eight kilometres per hour when alerted by one of our SAMs.

Nothing is more important than our kids’ safety and I want assure parents that we’re committed to investing in programs that keep children safe on the road.”

SAMs are just one of the many school safety improvements that residents will see in 2023. This year’s financial investment in school safety will deliver more signage, crossings and footpath links as part of Traffic Management Plan Improvements, Safer Paths to Schools and Active School Travel programs.

The new signs add to the existing 250 SAMs across Brisbane, with 83 permanently placed outside Brisbane schools and the rest rotated across more than 800 locations.

Cr Schrinner reminded drivers that stationary vehicles can create hazardous conditions and advised drivers to park in designated areas.

“If you are driving your children to school, please be aware of your surroundings and use the parking zones that are in place,” he said.

“While the majority of drivers do the right thing, unfortunately there will always be some people who skirt the rules.”

In 2022, Council issued 1,470 Parking Infringement and Warning Notices in school zones, with the most common offences including no stopping offences, parking longer than permitted and parking on a yellow line or stopping in a bus zone.

Residents are encouraged to contact their local ward office to suggest new locations for a Speed Awareness Monitors.

For more information about Speed Awareness Monitors, visit Brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 07 3403 8888.

Locations for new SAMs for Schools installations:

  • Acacia Ridge State School, Beatty Road, Acacia Ridge
  • Holland Park State School, Victor Street, Holland Park
  • Anglican Church Grammar School, Barker St, East Brisbane
  • Villanova College, Eighth Avenue, Coorparoo
  • Villanova College, Fifth Avenue, Coorparoo
  • Petrie Terrace State School, Dowse Street, Paddington
  • Mount Gravatt State High School, Bentham Street, Mount Gravatt
  • Upper Brookfield State School, Upper Brookfield Road, Upper Brookfield
  • Seville Road State School, Oates Avenue, Holland Park
  • Eagle Junction State School, Bayview Terrace, Clayfield
  • St Dympnas Parish School, Crowley Street, Aspley
  • St Williams Primary School, Dawson Parade, Keperra
  • Sunnybank State School, Eddington Street, Sunnybank
  • Sunnybank State School, Lister Street, Sunnybank
  • Yeronga State School, Park Road, Yeronga
  • St Elizabeth’s School, Effingham Street, Tarragindi
  • Windsor State School, Constitution Road, Windsor