Downhill Road in Front of Sanam Elementary School, Gyeongnam, Speeding Issues Pointed Out but Local Government Only Cites Budget Excuses
A road in front of Sanam Elementary School in Sacheon-si, Gyeongnam. Although it is designated as a school zone, there is no speed control system, and cars are driving dangerously.
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kang Sharon] Since the enforcement of the ‘Min-sik Law (Revised Road Traffic Act and Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes)’ on March 25 this year, the installation of speed enforcement cameras, speed bumps, and traffic lights has been mandated in school zones nationwide. However, some local governments are neglecting these requirements, citing budget shortages.
According to reports on the 23rd from Sacheon City, Gyeongnam Province, and the local community, the road in front of Sanam Elementary School in Sanam-myeon is a steeply sloped road but is only designated as a school zone without any facilities such as speed bumps or safety devices to control speeding.
Children and pedestrians commuting to and from school must rely solely on the words “Children Protection Zone” painted on the road surface for their safety and lives. Nearby residents have expressed frustration, saying, “It’s just a nominal school zone. How can it be a school zone without a single speed bump?” or “Since it’s a downhill road, most vehicles run at speeds over 70 km/h, and it’s nerve-wracking every time we see it.”
While the speed limit in school zones is supposed to be 30 km/h or less, residents say that due to the characteristics of the road in front of Sanam Elementary School, most vehicles violate the designated speed. One resident lamented, “We have repeatedly requested Sacheon City to install speed enforcement equipment and speed bumps, but they keep postponing it, using budget excuses.”
According to the Min-sik Law, local police agencies and local governments are required to install unmanned traffic enforcement equipment in school zones. The law also stipulates the installation of traffic lights, safety signs, speed bumps, and anti-skid facilities.
According to data from the Road Traffic Authority’s ‘School Zone Traffic Accident Status,’ school zone accidents nationwide have been increasing continuously, from 96 cases in 2017 to 112 in 2018, and 123 in 2019. The number of children injured in these accidents has also risen annually, from 96 in 2017 to 118 in 2018, and 132 in 2019.
When asked about countermeasures, a Sacheon City official responded, “We will strive to achieve the results that residents want as soon as possible.”
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