Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is calling on all road users to slow down and watch out for children as students head back to school this week.
Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at TfNSW, Tara McCarthy said school zones had come back in effect as tens of thousands of students return to the classroom.
“Children are some of our most vulnerable pedestrians and their safety is our number one priority,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Most school zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm,” she said.
“However, there are a small number of non-standard school zones in NSW with different times and speed limit.”
Ms McCarthy said the non-standard school zones were identified by red/orange school zone signs and 30 km/h speed limits, while standard school zones had a 40km/h speed limit.
She urged motorists to be extra careful while driving near schools, particularly near bus stops, school crossings and Kiss and Ride zones.
“When bus lights flash, it is vital everyone slows down to 40km/h because this means a bus is picking up or dropping off children,” she said.
“Higher fines and demerit points apply for certain offences committed in an active school zone, such as speeding, parking, or stopping illegally, using a mobile phone illegally and illegal U-turns.
Ms McCarthy asked people not to put the lives of NSW kids at risk.
“‘Just a bit over’ can be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all,” she said.
