The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority painted lines of triangles on the approach to school zones in the Hunter during this year.

It was a response to concerns that motorists needed flashing lights to alert them to school zones.

The Newcastle Herald reported this week the zones could be missing their mark because of the number of schools that operate outside or on the edge of zone times.

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie District Council of Parents & Citizens spokeswoman Clarice Hamling said the dragon's teeth project had failed and flashing lights were needed everywhere.

"They keep saying dragon's teeth work but they don't," she said.

"The public who do not have kids at school do not recognise dragon's teeth the same way they would flashing lights."

Ms Hamling said some school zones were too short and others poorly marked.

Behind Jesmond Public School some teeth markings are obstructed by parked cars.

A NSW Roads and Traffic Authority spokesman said dragon's teeth were successful in the United Kingdom and Singapore on approaches to towns and villages.

He said they would investigate the parking situation at Jesmond.

"Schools zones without flashing lights are being selected for the new flashing lights technology rollout based on safety criteria," he said.

NRMA Hunter director Kyle Loades said they supported dragon's teeth because it was "better than nothing" but what was really needed was flashing lights.

"A combination of dragon's teeth, flashing lights, signs that are fluorescent is the best overall method," he said.

Mr Loades said of 3200 schools in NSW only 10 per cent had flashing lights.

At current rates the government's lights program would take 28 years to complete.