Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
More than 90,000 Tasmanian primary and secondary students are this week preparing to return to school for Term One of 2020.
Tasmanian children are precious, and we want them to be safe.
As school returns, the activity on our roads and around schools increases, and so does the risk to our young children.
In the past five years, 33 children aged between four and 15 were hit by vehicles and injured in school zones, with 18 occurring during school hours.
Drivers are being reminded to slow down and follow the 40km/h speed limit in school zones and around school buses when the lights flash.
The 'Love 40' campaign will air on television, radio and social media. 'Love 40' means driving at or below the 40km/h school speed zone to keep children safe at school drop-off and pick-up, and on their commute to school.
School Crossing Guards are one of our most effective and visible road safety measures. This year, their uniforms feature the 'Love 40' logo and a slow down message.
Motorists are required to stop at Children's Crossings to allow pedestrians to cross, whether there is a School Crossing Guard or not, and remain stopped until everyone is off the road.
It doesn't matter how frustrating the traffic is, whether you are busy, or even if you are running late for work – there is no excuse for speeding through a school zone or not stopping for a Children's Crossing or School Crossing Guard.
I urge all Tasmanian drivers to be sensible, patient and play their part in keeping our children safe.
