Safety has been improved for students and residents of the Sippy Downs Knowledge Precinct with the installation of flashing 40kph speed signs along Sippy Downs Drive.

The University of the Sunshine Coast and Sienna Catholic College are among those set to benefit from the flashing lights which will improve the safety of students travelling to and from school and university.

Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said he was delighted to be able to contribute divisional funds for the new signage which was installed following community concerns and feedback.

“Sippy Downs residents, local police and local schools all raised their safety concerns with me about Sippy Downs Drive,” Cr Dickson said.

"A number of important factors such as the accident history, traffic volumes, pedestrian movements, the speed limit and visibility are taken into account when assessing locations for flashing lights.

"Improving road safety surrounding high pedestrian movement isn't something we can do on our own, we need motorists to be alert and adjust their speed when driving through school zones.

"Flashing signs alert and remind drivers they are entering a school zone and need to slow down and drive to conditions or risk getting a hefty fine.

"Students arriving and leaving school zones can be preoccupied and unpredictable around roads and cars.

"Reducing your speed limit significantly reduces the distance it takes you to stop suddenly and can prevent crashes from occurring."

The flashing signs operate between 7-9am and 2-4pm.