Motorists speeding past school buses

Senior Constable Robert Wallace, of Lawrence, has been issuing tickets to motorists who speed past stationary school buses. School bus driver Claire Anderson said children can be unpredictable, and drivers need to take more care.

Police this week issued a general reminder to drivers in Otago to slow down.

Senior Constable Robert Wallace, of Lawrence, said he recently issued six tickets in one week to motorists for exceeding the 20kmh speed limit when passing a school bus.

"At the end of last year and over the last while I've been paying attention, and there seems to be some motorists passing school buses without due care.

"We concentrate on it at the beginning of the school term, but it's something that affects the bus drivers throughout the year."

Bus drivers were concerned that vehicles were travelling past them at speed when they were dropping off and picking up children, Snr Const Wallace said.

"We try to follow up on it as much as we can. Serious cases could end up with an appearance in court for excessive speed, and also immediate loss of licence for 28 days."

Lawrence school bus driver Claire Anderson said most people ignored the 20kmh speed restriction.

"Some people are quite good, but others speed past and totally disregard it."

Ms Anderson said there were two boys she dropped off on the Beaumont Highway that she was constantly worried about.

"We have a sign, and they know if I blast the horn, they are to get back behind the bus pronto.

"I have my lights and hazards on, and I try to pull over to the left as much as I can, but children are unpredictable."

Ms Anderson said the worst times were Thursday and Friday nights, especially around holiday weekends.

"There is a greater volume of traffic on the road . . . everyone is in a rush."

Senior Constable Steve Griffiths, of Milton, said he advocated the use of flashing lights and larger warning signs on school buses.

- rachel.taylor@odt.co.nz