State governments are urging motorists to slow down and take extra caution when travelling through school zones, reminding them that while the roads seem empty, schools are still open for families who need them.
In New South Wales, a record number of speeding fines were issued to drivers in July, despite much of the state being in lockdown.
NSW Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the number of people caught speeding in school zones during the month reached more than 150% above the pre-lockdown average.
This prompted the government remind motorists that school zones are still being enforced, and that fines and demerit points still apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within these zones.
“Even though most children are learning from home, we need to make sure we protect those children who are at school by being extra vigilant,” Constance said.
In Queensland, the government announced that high-tech speed cameras would be installed in school zones and roadwork zones across the state after thousands were caught speeding through 40kph areas.
“In just over 12 months to February this year, 1,484 drivers were clocked doing more than 20kph over the speed limit in school zones across Queensland, this is unacceptable,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
“I don’t want to see another roadworker killed, or someone’s child badly injured on their way to school because of the reckless actions of a speeding driver,” he added.
As part of the initiative, speed cameras will be installed at primary and high schools, including private schools, across Queensland and if successful, more units will be rolled out.
“The pilot program uses high-tech cameras small enough to be mounted on solar-powered flashing road and street signs,” Bailey said.
The two-year trial, which is set to begin soon, will be managed by Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police.
“Speeding remains one of the leading causes of crashes in this state and it is vital we do what we can to protect our vulnerable students and roadworkers,” Bailey added.