Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is reminding drivers to slow down around schools as school zone speed limits come into effect before many students return to on-campus learning.
Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation at TfNSW, Tara McCarthy said school zones were active on every NSW school day, no matter how many students were attending.
“So while most children won’t start returning to schools until 18 October as the State begins to reopen, schools remain open for families that need it,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Children are vulnerable and we need to ensure we do everything possible to keep them safe on the road network,” she said.
“Which is why I’m reminding all motorists to slow down to the reduced speed limit, typically 40km/h, when entering a school zone or when you see bus lights flashing.”
Ms McCarthy said that, at the end of July, the number of people caught speeding in school zones reached more than 150 per cent above the pre-lockdown average.
“However, in August we have seen people begin to get the message and slow down with offences dropping by 25 per cent,” she said.
“Between 2016 and 2020, two children were killed, 36 were seriously injured and another 75 were injured while walking in active school zones – we need everyone to work together to help keep our kids safe when they’re on the way to or from school.”
The Deputy Secretary said motorists who did not obey the rules were putting lives at risk and faced heavy fines and demerit points.
Ms McCarthy said higher fines and demerit points also applied to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.
