Speeders risk to students at Airport Heights school, say protesting parents

A group of parents in the Airport Heights neighbourhood of St. John's held a rally Thursday, saying they are fed up with drivers who speed through a school zone.

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Parent Darla Ryan said the area is congested in the morning as children walk to or get dropped off at Roncalli Elementary.

"There's a lot going on in a very small area. There's a crosswalk on a turn with a road intersecting Airport Heights Drive … right at the crosswalk," Ryan told CBC's St. John's Morning Show.

"People are not obeying the 30 km/h speed limit and the crosswalk is not visible until you're on top of it."

The location is also on the main road out of the neighbourhood, which Ryan said adds to the problem.

"The traffic is backing up along Airport Heights Drive with parents trying to turn left into the parking lot. One of the main problems we have is people trying to pass left turning traffic at the crosswalk," she said.

Close calls

There is a crossing guard on duty, but Ryan said some drivers don't see him because of a bend in the road.

"He's had the sign knocked out of his hands. Several times he's been on the crosswalk and he's had some very close calls," she said.

The crosswalk is not visible until you're on top of it.- Darla Ryan

"We're terrified that something is going to happen to him."

Ryan said the main problem is the 15 minute window between 8:25 and 8:40 a.m. when children are being dropped off.

She encouraged people who are not dropping off children to take another route that bypasses the school.

Most of the 435 students at Roncalli are within walking distance of school, but many get a ride during the winter.

The city has installed flashing lights and radar speed signs, but Ryan said parents are working with council and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to make the area safer.

Her advice to drivers is to slow down, pay attention and, when possible, detour around the school.