Take care as school returns

Published on 04 February 2020

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Locals are reminded that school zones are back in force this week.

School zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days to help protect children and their families at the busiest times of the school day.

Council's Rangers will be closely monitoring school zones throughout 2020 to ensure motorists are parking legally and safely.

"The first week of school can be stressful for kids and parents alike, so it's important that everyone conducts themselves in a safe manner when driving and parking in school zones," said Council's Manager Planning, Development and Compliance, Francois Van Der Berg.

"It's a very busy time of year, so it's vitally important for kids' safety that everyone is cautious and considerate around schools."

Parking in a way that blocks buses or crossings or obscures sight lines is illegal, and can put children and motorists in danger.

Parking penalties applied in a school zone also attract higher fines and demerit points. Double parking and parking in a bus zone are common offences in school zones, with a maximum penalty of $344 and 2 demerit points.

Safety tips for the first week of school:

• Always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one within 20 metres.

• Cross directly across the road and don’t stay on the road any longer than necessary.

• Try to avoid walking on the road; choose the footpath or nature strip if suitable.

• Do to not park vehicles on footpaths especially in areas near schools.

• Have children get in and out of the car on the kerb side of the road, away from passing traffic. 

• Be aware of the parking arrangements around the school to avoid any confusion when dropping off or picking up your child.

• Always turn legally around schools, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres like U-turns and three-point turns.