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Chronic shortage of reserve Traffic Wardens around Albany

Campbell WilliamsonAlbany Advertiser
Middleton Road crosswalk attendant Mark Donegan.
Camera IconMiddleton Road crosswalk attendant Mark Donegan. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

Albany is dealing with a shortage of school crossing wardens ahead of National Walk Safely to School Day on May 18.

Crossing wardens play an important role in protecting children from early morning and afternoon traffic, but the local reserve ranks are spread thin.

Tracy Remaj, a WA Police customer service officer, said there had been a shortage for “several years”.

“We’re always looking for relief staff. We’ve got 13 locations around town and at the moment I have two reliefs. I’m always after reliefs,” Ms Remaj said.

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The shortage means that when full-time staff cannot work, through sickness or injury, children’s crossings around Albany can be left unattended.

If a crossing was unattended, schools were notified so they could pass on the message to parents.

“I have 13 locations and full-timers, so my reliefs cover when they are unable to be there,” she said.

“If I’m missing four, I’ve only got two reliefs.”

The call for more guards comes after a recent RAC survey indicated that many drivers were speeding and texting through WA school zones, in a result described by RAC spokesman Will Golsby as “alarming”.

Ms Remaj said working as a traffic guard was a great way to enjoy yourself and make a valuable contribution. Wardens receive an hourly rate of $24.97 with full training and uniform provided.

“It’s a good thing to do for the community,” she said.

If you are interested, contact Tracy Remaj at Albany Police.

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