Motorists urged to slow down as students go back to school

Road users are being reminded to take extra care in school zones with Queensland students returning to school across the state from tomorrow.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said school zones would be fully operational from Monday morning with speed limits reduced during marked drop-off and pick-up times.

“With hundreds of thousands of students starting or returning to school tomorrow, we are urging all motorists to take extra care, slow down and be on the lookout for pedestrians near schools,” Minister Ryan said.

“We want to ensure all motorists are prioritising the safety of our children as they travel to and from school whether they are on foot, riding on a bike, in a car or using public transport.

Minister Ryan said extra police would be enforcing speed limits and road rules in school zones across Queensland.

“Queensland motorists should expect police to be out in force in school zones from tomorrow and throughout this week targeting drivers and riders putting others at risk near schools,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to be patient in and around schools 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.

“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.”

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said police issued 27,634 speeding infringements in Queensland school zones in 2016.

“School zones are a hive of activity during pick up and drop off times which increases the risk of traffic crashes occurring,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

“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.”

He said all available traffic officers would be undertaking traffic enforcement in school zones across Queensland throughout the first week of school.

“Extra police will be enforcing school zone speed limits and important road rules such as stopping at children’s’ crossings and giving way to pedestrians.”

The ‘Back to School’ week is the final phase of QPS’ 50-day Christmas Road Safety Campaign which concludes at midnight on Friday.

Fast facts

• 27,634 speeding infringements were issued in school zones in 2016.
• 24,707 speeding infringements were issued in school zones in 2015.
• The standard times that most school zones apply in Queensland are 7–9am and 2–4pm. 
• The most common school zone speed limit is 40km/h.

Media contacts

Minister Ryan’s Office:                                                                  Ph: 0478 325 738

Police Media:                                                                                   Ph: (07) 3015 2444