By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
FAMILY and friends of a Dandenong High School student fatally struck by a car outside her school have staged an emotional protest at the site.
A band of about 50 supporters tearfully hugged and held signs from a Princes Highway footbridge and narrow median strips last Wednesday evening, drawing honks of supports from passing motorists.
Their message was to “wipe off 20”, reducing the highway’s 80km/h speed limit to 60 km/h.
Shaye Kosky, 13, was fatally injured when crossing the highway near the James Street intersection after school on 6 March 2013, a short distance from the school’s front entrance.
On that occasion, she opted not to cross at the nearby traffic lights and footbridge – a risky choice taken by many students and adults each day, according to protestors.
Shaye’s mother Stacey Brown, who organised the protest and an online petition on change.org, says she won’t stop campaigning until the speed limit is reduced.
“It’s just a matter of VicRoads moving the 80km/h signs a few hundred metres away.
“I’ll print out the petition and take it to VicRoads and Greater Dandenong Council. We’ll keep protesting and they might listen to us.”
Some protesters were disappointed by the lack of student and staff participants last Wednesday.
“I don’t know why the school haven’t done anything about this,” Ms Brown said. “You would think they would want to support their kids’ safety.”
Shaye’s grief-stricken father Tony Kosky has been visiting the tree memorial dedicated to his late daughter alone at night. He cries for Shaye regularly, up to 10 times a day.
“She’s my angel. Our world has just gone – why did they take my baby? I don’t get to give my daughter away anymore.
“The three of us (including Stacey Brown and daughter Jacinta) are not going to stop fighting.”
Protestor Michael Bradbury pointed out a 40km/h school zone had been installed on the highway outside Haileybury College, Beaconsfield.
“It could have been the difference of Shaye still being here.”
VicRoads has stated the area is eligible as a school speed zone after a revision of the road authority’s guidelines in November 2013.
“(It) will be considered for future funding in the context of state-wide priorities,” acting regional director Frank De Santis told the Journal last month.
Dandenong High School Principal Susan Ogden told the Journal last month she was concerned about students not using the footbridge.
“I am not sure that reducing the speed of cars helps make students safe. What helps is making students use the overpass.
“We met with VicRoads and police. They’re looking at a number of options, such as fencing to prevent students crossing the road (outside of the traffic lights and footbridge).
“Obviously for me and the school, the number one consideration is student safety. I’d be behind anything that improves the safety of our students.
“My heart still goes out to Stacey and her family. We still remember.”
Ms Ogden could not be contacted last week for comment on the protest.
