Canberra motorists are being reminded to slow down around schools, with 40km/h school zones coming back into effect for the new school term from today.
Minister for Road Safety Shane Rattenbury said that school zones are there to protect Canberra school children, and urged all motorists to slow down and be vigilant during the new school term.
Since this time last year, 52 Canberra drivers have been issued with infringement notices in and around school zones. Another 21 were cautioned.
“ACT school zone limits are in force from 8am to 4pm on weekdays, not just during drop off times as in NSW. This provides greater protection for our kids who walk or ride, or get dropped off, at school,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“The speed limit is just that – a limit, It’s not a default speed or recommended speed.
“There is no excuse for speeding in a school zone, especially when you are driving close to some of our most vulnerable road users, children.”
Vision Zero
The ACT Government remains committed to a ‘Vision Zero’ approach to safety on our roads.
“Vision Zero can be summarised simply: no loss of life on our roads is acceptable,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“We as a community should not have to endure the heartbreak associated with road trauma, but to avoid it we must share the responsibility for road safety.”
The reminder comes as ACT Policing this week recorded the ninth fatality on Canberra’s roads.