Drivers urged to remember 'Back to School' changes

Drivers are being urged to take extra care around school zones when the latest school term begins next week.

Starting January 27, school zones will be operational during the traditional pupil free day, with demerit points and fines applying if drivers fail to observe the speed limit.

School children will return to classes on January 28.

Road Safety Officer for Orange and Cabonne Councils, Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said the start of the school year will bring increased traffic on our roads including school buses and children being dropped off by car by family members.

“To provide a safe environment for children, their parents and carers are reminded to stick to parking plans around each school and not to double-park or park in bus bays,” Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said.

“The Drop-off and Pick-up initiative provides parents and carers with a safe environment to drop off and collect their children from school by car. The Drop-off and Pick-up initiative uses No Parking areas at schools. The areas, always on the school side of the road, are convenient for drivers and are designed to improve children’s safety.”

“Make sure all children use the designated safety door to leave the car next to the curb,” Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said. “It is an unnecessary risk to drop children off on the opposite side of the street to cross traffic to access the school gate. I have witnessed some near misses and it is a risk. Young children crossing the road should hold the hand of an adult at all times”.

Penalties for driving breaches in school zones reflect public concern over the safety of children in school zones:

• Exceed speed 10 km/h and under 2 demerit points and a fine of $186
• Exceed speed 10km/h and over 4 demerit points and a fine of $335