Drivers are being reminded to slow down and take extra care with school zones back in force across New South Wales from today.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while most students in Greater Sydney are learning from home this week, schools remain open for those who need to attend and school zones are still enforced from the first day of term.
“The 40 kilometre an hour school zones are now in force and we need everyone to be vigilant as schools will remain open for students and families who need it,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will need to slow down and stick to the reduced speed limit. It’s also important to remember when you see those flashing lights on the back of a bus, slow down and keep an eye out for children.”
Executive Director of the Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon said while school zones are one of the safest places on the road network, there have been two school zone crashes over the past two years, resulting in the deaths of two children.
“Students in regional NSW are back in the classroom this week and its important drivers remember the zones are in place at all schools across the state from this morning, even if there is a pupil free day,” Mr Carlon said.
“Every NSW school has at least one set of flashing lights to help keep children safe around schools but we still need everyone to pay extra attention when driving in these zones.”
Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.
The Government is also investing $18.5 million to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors, 275 of which are already on the ground offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for drivers.