The Minns Labor Government has launched a road safety trial in the Hunter Region with the installation of two smart school zone signs at Wallsend South Public School. The initiative is aimed at enhancing safety for students and families using advanced, locally developed technology.

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The trial is the first of its kind in Australia and is focused on evaluating intelligent school zone signage equipped with radar, pedestrian sensors, and artificial intelligence. The signs, manufactured by Hunter-based company HIVIS, are installed along Croudace Road and McCaffrey Drive. They are solar-powered, internet-connected, and capable of displaying real-time, dynamic safety messages.

These signs respond to traffic and pedestrian conditions. If a vehicle is detected exceeding the 40 km/h school zone speed limit, a "SLOW DOWN" alert is displayed. The signs also activate additional warnings when high volumes of pedestrian activity are detected and can show different messages outside of regular school zone hours.

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The project is supported by an $83,500 investment from the Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) Program, managed by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer. The selection of Wallsend South Public School for the trial was based on several criteria including high traffic and pedestrian volumes, proximity to the HIVIS facility, reliable 4G connectivity, and adequate solar exposure..

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Data collected by the smart signs, such as traffic counts, vehicle speeds, and pedestrian movement, will be transmitted to a central system for evaluation. The results will be used to determine how effective the signs are in modifying driver behaviour and improving safety in school zones.

This trial follows a decade-long effort by the NSW Government to reduce school zone incidents, which has seen a 56 per cent decrease in crashes across school zones.

The Minns Labor Government continues to explore innovative methods to enhance road safety across the state, with this smart signage trial representing the next phase in modernising school zone infrastructure.

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