Be aware of new rules around schools

A new road safety campaign starting today will make roads around schools safer for young Queenslanders.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new campaign promoted the range of school zone safety initiatives being rolled out this year, including the standardisation of school zone times throughout the state.

"These changes will make it easier for everyone to remember when to slow down and take extra care when schools start going back next week," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"By making it consistent across the state, we're taking away any confusion and making safer for everyone around schools.

"All school zone operating times will be progressively standardised to 7-9am and 2-4pm, unless specifically signed and by Easter, all school zones in south-east Queensland will be on the new times.

"The rest of the state will have standardised school zone times in place by 9 July when school returns from the mid-year holidays.

"Additionally, all-day school zones will be rolled out at split-campus schools where students need to cross a road to attend class. Flashing light signage will be used to draw attention to these special all-day zones."

The campaign includes a television commercial, which begins airing tonight (18 January), featuring children urging motorists to look out for signs and check the times when driving around schools.

"Last year almost 16,000 people were caught speeding through school zones and this isn't just a matter of people slipping one or two kilometres over the speed limit.

"More than 65 per cent of those motorists were exceeding the limit by 13-20 kilometres - that's not good enough and that's why we are toughening up the rules.

"The message is simple - look out for the signs, check the times and slow down in school zones.

"There are no excuses for putting young lives at risk.

"To further protect our school children, the Queensland Police Service will continue to target drivers who continue to speed in and around school zones.

"Speeding around schools puts the lives of innocent children in danger and will not be tolerated.

"By observing speed signs in school zones, we can all help make roads around schools safer."

For more information on the changes to school zones please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/schoolzones

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
18/01/2012
Be aware of new rules around schools

Permanent Link: Be aware of new rules around schools
Publish Date: 18 Jan 12

All articles submitted by third parties or written by My Sunshine Coast come under our Disclaimer / Terms of Service