Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has urged drivers to slow down and take extra care in school zones across NSW as many schools are remaining open for families who need them.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance confirmed that school zone speed limits were being enforced, even though most children were learning from home due to COVID-19.
“Even though most children are learning from home, we need to make sure we protect those children who are at school by being extra vigilant,” Mr Constance said.
“At the end of July, we saw the number of people caught speeding in school zones reach more than 150 per cent above the pre-lockdown average,” he said.
“While there has been some improvement, there are still far too many drivers doing the wrong thing now.”
Mr Constance said higher fines and demerit points still applied to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.
“From 2016 to 2020, two children were killed, 36 were seriously injured and another 76 were injured while walking in active school zones,” the Minister said.
“We need everyone to work together to reduce these shocking numbers,” he said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole reminded drivers to slow down and take extra care when travelling near schools with 40km/h school zones still in place.
Mr Toole said the 300 new School Crossing Supervisors had been recruited with 275 already on the ground, including 65 in regional NSW, to offer more protection for children.
He said every school had at least one set of flashing lights, with additional sets also installed outside many schools with multiple busy entrances.
Further information about road safety around school zones can be accessed at this PS News link.
