ACT Policing is advising motorists that 40km/h speed limits will be enforced in school zones for the start of the new school term on Monday (October 14).
Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Sergeant Mark Steel said the restrictions are in place between 8am and 4pm and warns motorists there will be tough penalties for those who choose to ignore them.
“The 40km/h speed limit is important in school zones because it gives motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation,” Sergeant Steel said.
“It is important to remember children, especially primary school children, are not as aware as adults of the dangers associated with crossing the road. With that in mind drivers should never double park when dropping children off at school.”
“Bus stops are for buses – pick up and drop off children in safe and approved areas only. Taking those extra seconds means your children will arrive and leave school safely.”
“With the warmer weather there will be more children walking or riding to and from school so it is vitally important that motorists stick to the speed limit.”
ACT Policing issued 204 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) and 110 Cautions to drivers caught speeding through school zones during term three.
A Chisholm man, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was caught speeding on Heagney Crescent, Gilmore. Police detected the driver travelling at 74km/h in a sign posted 40km/h school zone. He was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) for $664 and the loss of four demerit points.
ACT Policing has targeted every school zone during each term this year and will do the same in term four.
Penalties range from $203 and the loss of one demerit point for a driver exceeding the school zone speed limit (40km/h) by 15km/h or less to $1,811 and the loss of six demerit points for a driver exceeding the school zone speed limit (40km/h) by more than 45km/h.
ACT Policing is targeting speeding motorists during the month of October as part of its multi-agency road safety strategy.