After missing out on selection for the first 100 sites in 2007, the region’s school zones were not included in the latest round of 51 sites to have the flashing light signs installed.

Another 50 school zones will receive the signs by the end of this year, but information on locations for the signs is not available.

The overlooking of Blue Mountains school zones in the latest round of the four-year program by the State Government has disappointed former Liberal candidate for Blue Mountains Michael Paag, who first raised the issue in October 2006.

“The NSW Government has failed school children and parents in the Blue Mountains,” Mr Paag said.

“Several schools in the Mountains are located on the Great Western Highway and some are located in poor visibility areas subject to misty conditions.

“Large numbers of trucks travel along the highway through our school zones every day.

“The Blue Mountains should be among the first to receive new flashing light signs in its school zones.

“These signs have been installed on suburban streets in North Turramurra, Westmead, Ashfield and even the Bells Line of Road, so why not the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains?”

Mr Paag said the lack of flashing light signs in the Blue Mountains is an example of ineffective representation by Member for Blue Mountains Phil Koperberg.

Mr Koperberg made clear his view on the rollout selection issue in March 2007 during a visit by NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal, claiming it was a matter for the RTA based on research, road safety statistics and other data.

Mr Roozendaal said at the time the State Government should not interfere with the RTA’s assessment process.

There is one set of flashing lights at the school zone on the highway in Blaxland – an older model that was not part of the rollout program.

There are funds allocated in the 2008/09 State budget to install traffic lights on the highway fronting Blackheath public school.