Minister for Police and Emergency Services Joy Burch joined ACT Policing Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers to remind motorists that 40km/h school zones are in force as Term 2 of the school year commences.
“As children return to school from a two-week break, we’re reminding motorists to take care around school zones and adhere to the 40km/h limit between 8am and 4pm,” Ms Burch said. “More than 71,000 students return to school this week, and it’s important for motorists to remember children are our most vulnerable road users; they are not as aware as adults of the dangers associated with crossing the road.”
Ms Burch pointed out that more than 71,000 students return to school this week so it’s important to for motorists to remember children because they are not as aware as adults of the dangers associated with crossing the road. CPO Lammers said ACT Policing would conduct traffic patrols at each school at least once during Term 2, targeting speeding along with other offences such as failing to give way at a school crossing.
“Speed limits in school zones are there to ensure the safety of our children by allowing motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation. Police will continue to enforce the 40km/h limit by proactively targeting each school throughout the term,” CPO Lammers said.
CPO Lammers pointed out that Last term, police targeted every school zone and 222 drivers received Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for speeding in ACT school zones and 194 drivers received official cautions. This represents an increase from the 197 TINs and 116 Cautions issued between February and April 2014. CPO Lammers added that drivers who choose to ignore the speed limits face tough penalties, ranging from a fine of $215 and the loss of one demerit point to $1,811 and the loss of six demerit points.