This is a community service announcement. For the last three months I have been the lollipop person (aka school crossing supervisor) outside St Johns Primary School in Mullumbimby. I have also lived in Mullumbimby for over 30 years. There is a school crossing zone that extends for about 400 metres from Federation Bridge to just past the school. This area is a 40km/h zone from 8am until 9.30am and again from 2.30pm until 4pm.
I am shocked at the negligence and disregard of drivers who feel self-entitled to speed down this stretch of road, which in essence is a suburban road in our town. The offenders represent a cross-section of our community. It includes 30-40 year-old tradies (mainly men), parents with children in their vehicles (mainly women), young people, aged people and those with Qld number plates as well (you as well have 40km/h school zones).
How many seconds of your day would you lose if you slowed to 40km/h for that 400-metre stretch of road? If you have a newish vehicle you will have cruise control and if you have a big four-wheel-drive (like many) or even a newer vehicle you’re likely to have adaptive cruise control, which will stop you tailgating other drivers. So why not set your alarm clock a few minutes earlier and think how important it is to slow down and respect pedestrian crossings – not just for the children but for all who utilise them? This is not about you, it’s about community, it’s about respect.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
