Roads Minister Duncan Gay today announced the release of the NSW Government’s new free ‘Speed Adviser’ app, that includes alerts motorists are about to enter a school zone.

Minister Gay said the best way to avoid a speeding fine was not to speed – but for those wanting additional reminders the new app would literally warn them with an audio alert.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear of child fatalities or injuries around schools and we need motorists to understand that school zone speed limits are there to save lives,” Minister Gay said.

“For those motorists who don’t notice school flashing lights or school zone signs there is now another means to recognise you are entering a school zone.

“It’s called our ‘Speed Adviser’ but I’ve dubbed it the ‘Last Chance’ app.

“It is the only app with information on every school zone in NSW and informs motorists they are approaching an operational school zone with a speed limit of 40 km/h.

“The App also alerts drivers when a speed limit changes and warns drivers if they exceed the speed limit – repeating the warning continually until the legal limit is complied with.

“Motorists can set it before they leave home or work and it will provide audio alerts. There is no need to interact with the app at all while driving, in line with laws applying to mobile phones and GPS devices.

“I caution drivers that this app doesn’t replace speed limit signage, judgment about conditions and vigilance which all drivers need to exercise.

“Like all new apps, it will evolve as we further enhance it. As we trial the app, users can send us feedback at speedadviser.com.au or roadsafetytechnology@transport.nsw.gov.au

“The excuses provided by motorists speeding in a school zone will dwindle further, with our historic roll out of flashing lights now about to begin.

“Today I’m delighted to call for tenders in the final roll out that will ensure every single school in NSW will have a set of flashing lights by the end of 2015.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has been rolling out flashing lights at almost 3 times the rate of the previous government.

“We now seek suitably qualified and experienced tenders to build, supply and install the new flashing lights across NSW.

“The new model of lights will have essential safety features such as back-to-base technology to allow for pro-active maintenance and remote adjustment.

“Our road safety experts have started working with schools and community groups to ensure the flashing lights will be installed at the location where they will provide the biggest safety benefit.

“We also have a new online map for parents and schools that will show the status of every single school in the state under the flashing lights program.

“People can log onto www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au to search for their school and see updates on the rollout as the program proceeds.

“This is an exciting resource for those school communities counting down the days until they receive their own set of flashing lights.

“My message is that we are on our way, by the end of 2015 every single school in NSW will have a set of flashing lights installed,” Minister Gay said.

‘Speed Adviser’ is available to download for free on your iPhone and is available from the App Store from today 4 February.

An Android version is in development and will be available early this year.

Tenders for the flashing lights are to be lodged online using Roads and Maritime Services e-tender service by 2.30pm on Monday, 10 February.

  AROUND SCHOOLS, HELP PREVENT SPEEDING, NEW APP, NO EXCUSES