Police presence around schools

Senior Sergeant Larking
Senior Sergeant Larking
Southern district police are reminding parents and others who drive near schools at peak times to be vigilant and drive safely, as pupils head back to the classroom this week.

District Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Steve Larking said a district-wide road policing campaign would target excessive speed around schools and school bus routes at the start of the 2013 school year.

''Our aim is to prevent fatal and injury crashes involving children around schools,'' Snr Sgt Larking said.

''It's a new term and a new start for some students so we need to be extra careful with our driving habits around schools.

''Parents need to be mindful of not double parking or parking on yellow lines when dropping students off andgive themselves plenty of time to get children to school safely.''

Snr Sgt Larking said it was particularly important to be aware of younger school children.

''Younger children tend to think about one thing at a time and not be so aware of other things happening around them, and can have difficulty judging the speed of moving vehicles.

''Many will also be learning to deal with a new and unfamiliar environment if they are starting at a new school.

''Some children will have received a new bike for Christmas and be ridingthese to school for the first time, so please be aware of children on bikes.

''There are also many high school age students who are new drivers and it's important for them and for more experienced motorists to be aware of the risks and drive at a reduced speed.''

Police will be using both speed cameras and lasers and strictly enforcing speed limits within a school zone, which is within 250m of school boundaries.

Drivers travelling at 5kmh or more over the posted speed limit will be issued an infringement notice.

During the campaign, police will be monitoring drivers primarily at peak school traffic times - 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm.

Staff will also be monitoring school bus routes and enforcing the 20kmh restriction which applies for vehicles passing a school bus which is stopped to pick up or let off pupils.

The campaign will run until February 15.

 

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