The ruling Democratic Party and the government agreed on Tuesday to increase the budget for traffic safety facilities near schools, such as speed cameras and signals, by some 100 billion won ($85 million) next year.

They will also swiftly handle traffic safety bills named after children killed in car accidents inside school zones, party policy committee chief Cho Jung-sik said in a press briefing following a meeting of the relevant government and party officials.

“Next year’s budget will be increased by about 100 billion won to install speed cameras and traffic lights in school zones,” Cho said.

“About 8,800 speed cameras and 11,260 traffic signals will be installed in school zones over three years. ... In areas where speed camera installment is inappropriate, other traffic safety devices such as speed bumps will be placed.”

The government plans to improve safety in school zones by installing more warning signs, speed bumps, anti-skid paving and “yellow carpets,” which make people waiting at crosswalks more visible.

State subsidies for local governments can also improve traffic conditions near elementary schools.

The ruling party and the government also plan to come up with a bill that requires vehicles to pause at crosswalks without traffic lights in order to protect pedestrians.

They also agreed to tighten law enforcement against illegal parking and stopping as well as violations of rules meant to protect children walking on roads, conduct regular safety inspections of school bus operators, and allow residents to report illegal parking and stopping in school zones.

“Thirty-four children lost their lives (in car accidents) in school zones in the past five years,” Democratic Party Floor Leader Lee In-young said during the policy meeting.

“We will persuade the opposition parties … to pass the traffic safety bills within this year.”

Parents of children who were killed in car accidents in school zones were present at the meeting Tuesday to request speedy passage of the bills.

By Kim So-hyun (sophie@heraldcorp.com)