Help needed to get kids to school safely

As the school year begins, it’s not just students who are preparing to head back, but traffic wardens across WA are ready to don their coats, grab their flags, and return to their posts to ensure the safety of the thousands of school students who walk or ride to school each day.

A reminder of the 40km/h school zones has been a focus for the start of the new school year, but it’s just as important to acknowledge that traffic wardens play a vital role in safeguarding children and carers as they navigate busy roads and intersections.

A 2024 survey by national insurer AAMI found one third of Australian motorists admitted to speeding through school zones, and as rates of walking and cycling to school decline, the predicted traffic congestion around schools is likely to increase.  

In WA, more than 600 school traffic wardens, across 550 schools, ensure a safe commute for students. 

From Broome to Esperance, their presence helps instil safe pedestrian habits in young students, emphasising the importance of using designated crossings and paying attention to road signals. 

School traffic wardens hold paid positions managed by the WA Police Force. They range in age from 20-94 years, and the longest-serving warden has dedicated 44 years to keeping children safe.  

There is still a need for 82 new wardens for 2025.  

Executive Manager of the Children’s Crossings Unit, Paul Besant, encourages anyone who is interested in becoming a traffic warden to apply.  

“Traffic wardens are vital in keeping children and guardians safe in their commute to and from school,” he said.  

“We encourage anyone that is considering in giving back to the community to apply in becoming a traffic warden. 

“As back to school approaches, I urge all motorists to not only reduce your speed limit around school zones, but to always drive safe and keep in mind the safety of yourself and the safety of others”.

Further information and guidance on how to become a Traffic Warden can be found on WA.gov.au¹.

Parents, carers and students who are walking, scooting or riding, are encouraged to: 

• discuss the route with your children 
• walk or ride the route together for practice 
• always wear a helmet (if riding or scooting) 
• follow school zone signals and speed limits 
• stay alert and pay attention to school traffic wardens.