Motorists are being urged to slow down and watch out for children as students return to school this week.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke urged drivers to follow the rules and remain vigilant around schools as students return from holidays.
“As students head to school, please remain vigilant and stick to the sign-posted speed limit in and around school zones,” Ms Cooke said.
“Most school zones are in force from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm but drivers are reminded to pay attention to the signage around their local school as each school is different.
“We know school zones are busy during these times with parents taking kids to and from school, buses dropping off or picking up students and children walking or cycling to and from home.
“Higher fines and demerit points will apply for some offences committed in an active school zone, such as speeding, parking, or stopping illegally, using a mobile phone illegally.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said children are some of our most vulnerable pedestrians and their safety is our number one priority.
“Please be extra observant while driving near schools or bus stops, school crossings and Kiss and Ride zones,” Mr Farraway said.
“It is vital everyone slows down to 40km/h when bus lights flash because this means a bus is picking up or dropping off children and in regional areas this can often be along a road or at a driveway.
“Please don’t put our kids’ lives at risk. ‘Just a bit over’ can be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all.”
The NSW Government is committed to student safety and has implemented several safety initiatives to improve the visibility of school zones including signage, road markings, flashing lights, and more than 300 new school crossing supervisors.
For more information on school zones please visit The Centre for Road Safety site and school road safety education site Safety Town https://www.safetytown.com.au/ .