Transport for NSW is urging drivers to take extra care and slow down with school zones brought back in force last week (27 January).
Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW, Tara McCarthy called for care pointing out that two children had died in school zones in the past two years.
“Thirty-two have been seriously injured in active school zones between 2015 and 2019,” Ms McCarthy said.
“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,” she said.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance said school zones were enforced from the first day of term, even if some students had a later start to 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,” Mr Constance said.
“While some schools have a pupil free day, drivers need to remember school zones are now active,” he said.
“We all need to slow down and stick to that reduced speed limit.”
Mr Constance said drivers also needed to remember to slow down around school buses.
“When you see those flashing lights on the back of the bus remember to keep an eye out for children,” the Minister said.
“By law it’s a requirement to drop down to the 40 kilometre an hour speed limit,” he said.
Mr Constance said higher fines and demerit points applied to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.
