School went back three weeks ago, but some Canberra motorists need a refresher lesson in driving around schools.
The law requires drivers to slow to 40 km/h between 8am and 4pm around schools on weekdays.
“This reduced speed limit contributes to the safety of all students, staff, parents and other family members when moving around school precincts,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
However, a police operation in school zones in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin on Tuesday and Wednesday this week showed that some drivers have forgotten their ABCs.
ACT Road Policing officers issued 30 infringement notices for speeding.
The 40 km/h speed limit around school zones is designed to give motorists more time to stop in an unexpected situation, the ACT Government states. This is because children are the most vulnerable road users: “Their unpredictability exposes them to high risk around traffic.”
Fines for exceeding the posted 40km/h speed limit in a school zone are greater than non-school zones.
| Speeding | Non-school zone | School zone | + |
| Less than 15 km/h | $316 | $342 | $26 |
| 15 – 30 km/h | $468 | $511 | $43 |
| 30 – 45 km/h | $700 | $799 | $99 |
| More than 45 km/h | $1,841 | $2,136 | $295 |
Police also screened more than 100 drivers for alcohol and tested two drivers for drugs. None of the roadside alcohol or drug tests returned positive results, the spokesperson said.
“Police are always concerned about drivers’ speed on our roads, especially around schools,” the spokesperson said.
“Operations such as this are an important reminder to slow down around schools, and that police can be anywhere, anytime.”
ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations spokesperson Frances Stewart also urged drivers to slow down in school zones.
“It is always disappointing to hear about unsafe driving around schools, as accidents involving children can have truly catastrophic outcomes,” she said.
“Children are particularly at risk from unsafe driving practices, such as speeding, because they are less visible and more likely to behave in unpredictable ways.
“Parents rely on everyone to do the right thing to keep their children safe.
“Please be aware of where schools zones are and slow down – especially around pick up and drop off times.”
