'Absolute mayhem': the fast-growing school at centre of a traffic snarl

A Hunter Valley council has voted to push for state and federal grants and funding to install pedestrian crossings at a rapidly growing school as children and parents "dodge and weave" through traffic.

Councillor Sophie Palmowski raised the motion at Wednesday's Cessnock City Council ordinary meeting.

She pushed for more action from the council, including seeking funding and advocating for pedestrian crossings on Bridge and Bowen Streets adjacent to the Branxton Public School.

Cr Palmowski said Branxton has experienced immense population growth and the school now has almost 600 students enrolled.

"When you drive past the school it is immediately evident that it is beyond capacity with an increasing number of demountable classrooms added every year," she said.

"As a result infants and primary students now have separate play times and assemblies because there is simply nowhere large enough for the entire school together.

"Despite these arrangements, they still commence school and finish at the same times of 9.10am and 3.10pm.

The councillor said there had been an increase in bus services, but there was still a significant number of students who travel to and from school on foot, bike, or with their parents.

"I'm sure you can imagine what it looks like when nearly 600 children are all trying to leave the school grounds and get home at the same time," she said.

"On Queen Street there is a crossing supervised by a school teacher for 20 minutes after the bell.

"From there children and parents dodge and weave their way to cars and homes navigating vehicles pulling in and out of parking spaces.

"It is absolute mayhem and presents a significant safety risk for students, parents and motorists alike."

Cr Palmowski said every child deserves to be safe travelling to and from school.

A new school development at North Rothbury with the capacity for 500 students is expected to open in 2028 alongside a new high school and primary school.

Cr Palmowski said this will help ease enrolment pressure at Branxton, but the safety of current and future Branxton Public School students could not be "overlooked or delayed".

"Advocating for pedestrian crossings and crossing supervisors is a practical and necessary step," she said.

The motion was carried unanimously by council.