DRIVERS REMINDED TO SLOW DOWN WITH STUDENTS AROUND

Drivers are being urged to take extra care and slow down with school zones back in force from today.

 Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while most students were returning to the classroom later in the week school zones are enforced from the first day of term.

“The 40 kilometre an hour school zones have been switched on this morning with the official start of the school year. As we see students start returning to the classroom after a disruptive 12 months, we really need everyone to be extra vigilant.

“While some schools have a pupil free day, drivers need to remember school zones are now active. We all need to slow down and stick to that reduced speed limit.

“It’s also really important to remember the rules apply around school buses. When you see those flashing lights on the back of the bus remember to keep an eye out for children. By law it’s a requirement to drop down to the 40 kilometre an hour speed limit,” Mr Constance said.

 Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation, Tara McCarthy, said two children have died in school zones in the last two years. 32 have been seriously injured in active school zones between 2015 and 2019.

“Although school zones are one of the safest places on the NSW road network, we know children can be unpredictable around roads so we need everyone to be attentive and watch out for children,” Ms McCarthy said.

The NSW Government has implemented numerous safety initiatives to improve the visibility of school zones such as signage, road markings and flashing lights.  

The Government is also investing an extra $18.5 million to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors, offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for motorists

 Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.