- Published:
- Sunday 24 January 2016
Drivers are being urged to slow down and be extra cautious around school zones this week, with reduced speed limits in place from Thursday 28 January outside schools across Victoria to keep kids safe as they return to classrooms for 2016.
Speed limits will drop to either 40km/h or 60km/h in the mornings from 8:00 to 9:30am and the afternoons from 2:30 to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Drivers must obey reduced speed limits outside all schools on these days even if an individual school is closed.
School speed zones are designed to improve road safety outside schools while also taking into account issues such as high traffic volumes, peak school pedestrian hours and school holidays.
Speed limits are clearly signposted with permanent speed limit signs, advance warning signs, time based signs or electronic variable signs, so that everyone is aware of the safer speeds.
Reduced speeds in school zones keep our most vulnerable road users safe in a busy traffic environment. Young children can be unpredictable, fast, and difficult to see. A small reduction in speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving being hit by a car.
Drivers are encouraged to look out for speed signs on the road, in particular near schools, and slow down.
With summer in full swing, drivers should also watch out for children on bikes – particularly at intersections and roundabouts – or walking on footpaths.
Parents and carers are also urged to be extra vigilant and take care during drop-off and pick up times. All children should be in the appropriate restraint for their age and size, parking restrictions should be obeyed and drivers should keep clear of the children’s crossings and take care not to double park.
Term 1 school speed zones will be in place from Thursday 28 January 2016 to Thursday 24 March, except for public holidays.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier James Merlino
“The start of the school year is an exciting time for students, and sometimes safety may be the last thing on their mind.”
“Drivers need to be extra cautious and look out for kids as you drive through school zones.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Keeping children safe is everybody’s responsibility. Slow down, look up, and be alert.”
“When we send our children to school we expect them to come home safe and sound at the end of the day.”