Back to School: 40km/h zones return

As school resumes next week Queensland road users are being urged to slow down and be extra vigilant when travelling in school zones.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating of the Road Policing Command said that everyone in the community needs to do their part to ensure the safety of our children as they return to school.

“We want to remind road users to be aware of road rules and obey the speed limit in school zones during the signed hours”, Acting Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

“Children can be unpredictable but by following the road rules and staying alert, you may help prevent a tragedy.”

In 2014 police issued more than 25,090 traffic infringements across Queensland for speeding in school zones.

Of that, 5,115 traffic infringements were issued during the last quarter of 2014 demonstrating that motorists are still ignoring warnings and continue to speed in school zones.

“Police will be out in force around schools and intercept those that are caught not complying with all road rules, paying particular attention to speed, fatigue, impaired driving, failure to wear seatbelts and distracted and inattentive drivers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

It is not only motorists that need to heed the warning, with 19 traffic infringements being issued last year to bicycle riders who were caught exceeding the speed limit in a school zone.

The commencement of school also means an increase in traffic with police asking for motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time for their journey and to be patient with any delays.

“Our Back to School safety message is for motorists to slow down, be extra cautious, and be patient whilst travelling in and around school zones.”