All road users are being urged to take care whilst driving in school zones.
Road users are reminded of the following rules:
- 'No Parking' means you can stop for two minutes to either pick up or drop off passengers but you must remain within three metres of the car.
- 'No Stopping' means "no stopping" at any time; not even to quickly pick someone up or drop them off.
- 'Bus zone' means you cannot stop here unless driving a bus.
*Please note that hours of operation may apply to some signs and the restrictions apply to the stated times only.
Leeton Shire Council's Road Safety Officer Stephanie Puntoriero said these rules are in place for safety reasons and should always be observed.
"Unfortunately, there has been increasing numbers of motorists disobeying dedicated bus zones, 'No Parking' and 'No Stopping' signs around the Shire's schools," said Mrs Puntoriero.
"Drivers dropping off children at or on school crossings or in school bus zones and disobeying parking rules are breaking the law as well as posing a serious risk to their own and other children in the area," she said.
School zones are being monitored by authorities to encourage motorists to park legally and avoid stopping or parking where it is not allowed.
Road users are also being warned that traffic offences in school zones can result in fines and demerit points.
For example, disobeying a 'No Parking' sign in a school zone is a $201 fine and loss of two licence points, whilst disobeying a 'No Stopping' sign or parking in a bus zone within a school zone incurs a $362 fine and the loss of two points.
"It may take longer to park around the corner or down the street, but you don't run the risk of getting a fine for stopping in the bus zone, speeding in the school zone or injuring vulnerable members of our community," Mrs Puntoriero said.
"Let's keep our kids safe. Do the right thing and use designated parking areas for drop off and pick up," she said.
Road users are also being reminded that school 40 km/h speed zones are in force.
The typical stopping distance when travelling at 40 km/h is 28 metres.
If you are driving at 50 km/h, it increases to 38 metres to stop, and at 60 km/h that distance increases significantly to 58 metres.
Speeding more than 10km/h over in a school zone is a $599 fine plus four licence points.
Queries can be directed to Council's Road Safety Officer Stephanie Puntoriero on (02) 6953 0911 (Tuesdays to Thursdays).
