Motorists are reminded to slow down and watch for children, as the new school term begins, and school zones come back into force from Monday.
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy said drivers must remain vigilant in school zones which are generally in place from 8 to 9.30am and from 2.30 to 4pm.
“With the state dealing with more wet weather, it is particularly important to stay safe on our roads and we are reminding motorists to take extra care, especially in school zones,” Ms McCarthy said.
“I’m reminding all motorists to slow down near schools, just a couple of kilometres over the speed limit could be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all.”
Ms McCarthy said school zones are clearly marked with flashing lights and school zone signs.
“More than one million students travel to and from school each day and their safety is our top priority, please slow down near schools and remain extra vigilant particularly near bus stops, school crossings and Kiss and Ride Zones,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Motorists who don’t obey the rules put lives at risk and face heavy fines and demerits points, which can be higher within school zones.”
The NSW Government has invested an extra $18.5 million to provide 300 new school crossing supervisors and is on track to appoint an additional 32 with recruitment already underway. Additional school safety is being delivered through initiatives that improve the visibility of school zones including signage, road markings, and flashing lights.
For more information on school zones please visit The Centre for Road Safety site and school road safety education site Safety Town https://www.safetytown.com.au/ .
