Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating and Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan are reminding motorists to take extra care in school zones with Queensland students returning to school across this week, Queensland Police say.
Assistant Commissioner Keating said school zones were now fully operational with speed limits reduced during marked drop-off and pick-up times.
"Extra police will be enforcing speed limits in school zones across Queensland," Assistant Commissioner Keating said.
"Police will also be enforcing important road rules such as stopping at childrens’ crossings and giving way to pedestrians.
"Queensland motorists should expect police to be out in force in school zones throughout this week targeting drivers and riders who are putting others at risk near schools.
"I encourage everyone to be patient in and around school zones, pay attention to the changed speed zones and allow extra travel time on journeys which incorporate these areas where there will be extra traffic.
"School zones are a hive of activity during pick up and drop off times which increases the risk of traffic crashes occurring.
"Police issued 17,110 speeding infringements in Queensland school zones from the beginning of 2017 to September 30 2017.
"Reduced speed limits are integral to road safety in school zones where children are vulnerable due to their unpredictability and the difficulty for motorists to see small children.
"By reducing your speed, you are less likely to be involved in a serious collision as you have more time to make split second decisions, you are less likely to lose control of the vehicle and have much shorter stopping distances.
"I’d also urge parents and carers to speak to their children about basic road safety such as when and where to cross the road and always wearing a helmet when riding a bike."
The standard operating times for most school zones in Queensland is 7–9am and 2–4pm. More information can be found here: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/School-road-safety/Safe-school-travel-safest/School-zones-road-safety-initiatives.aspx
The ‘Back to School’ week is the final phase of QPS’ 50-day Christmas Road Safety Campaign which concludes at midnight on Friday.
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