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Back To School: Slow Down And Cross Safely

27 January 2017

Drivers are being urged to slow down and be cautious around school zones next week as the back to school rush gets underway.

Reduced speed limits will be back in place outside schools across Victoria from Tuesday 31 January, to keep kids safe as they head back to school for 2017.

Minister for Education James Merlino and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan visited Richmond Primary School to urge drivers to slow down and take extra care around schools.

Speed limits will drop to either 40km/h or 60km/h outside schools in the morning from 8am to 9.30am, and in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

School speed zones are designed to improve road safety and keep our children safe, while taking into account issues such as high traffic volumes, peak school pedestrian hours and school holidays.

The school speed zone limits are clearly signposted with permanent speed limit signs, advance warning signs, time based signs or electronic variable signs.

Mr Merlino also called on Victorians to get active and encourage children to walk or ride to school.

Allowing children to get to places on their own helps them develop self-confidence and independence, get to know their neighbourhoods and get their recommended one hour of physical activity a day.

School speed limits will apply from Tuesday 31 January to the end of the school year on Friday 22 December (Monday to Friday, except for school holidays and public holidays).

Drivers must obey reduced speed limits outside all schools on these days even if an individual school is closed.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Walking or riding to school is a great way for children to keep active, but it also means drivers need to take extra care around school zones and look out for kids on bikes and scooters, as well as on foot.”

“A small reduction in speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving if they are hit by a car.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan

“Going back to school is an exciting time for students, but we mustn’t forget that they can be unpredictable, fast and difficult to see.”

“We’re urging parents to talk to their children about safely crossing the road and encouraging the basics of road safety.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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