Southern district road policing manager acting Inspector Karl Hemmingsen, of Dunedin, said police would be very visible around schools over the next two weeks as classes resumed, making sure everyone was obeying the road rules.
He reminded drivers to slow down around schools — particularly in Dunedin where schools now had a speed limit of 30kmh — and to slow down to 20kmh when passing a stationary school bus.
"Children can be unpredictable and dart in and out of traffic, so you need to be prepared for the unexpected."
He also reminded drivers that there would be speed cameras set up near schools again this year.
"That caused a bit of a stir last year when it was ticketing every second car going past.
"This year, you've got a much lower starting point.
"You're starting from 30kmh, rather than 50kmh or 100kmh.
"So of course, there’s potential for you to get quite a big fine."
