|
Monday 6 February 2012
VicRoads Acting Regional Director, Scott Lawrence, headed out to Montpellier Primary School today to remind Victorian motorists that school speed zones are now in operation. "To protect all students, lower speed limits now apply on school days in the morning from 8am to 9.30am and in the afternoon between 2.30pm and 4pm," Mr Lawrence said. "Children are smaller, harder to see, less predictable and more impulsive than adult pedestrians. "Whether they are dragging their feet, or eagerly bounding to get to school, students will be on our roads and motorists need to slow down and to look out." Mr Lawrence said speed limits near schools will be reduced to either 40km/h or 60km/h depending on the road’s open speed limit, so motorists need to be alert and look out for the signs. "Since the introduction of school speed zones in 2003, the number of casualty crashes around schools has fallen by approximately 30 per cent," Mr Lawrence said. "A reduced speed gives both the driver and pedestrian more time to react to situations and significantly increases the rate of survival if a car hits a child," he said. Senior Sergeant Shane Coles from the Geelong Highway Patrol warned motorists that school zone speed limits will be enforced, with police running targeted road safety operations throughout the school term. "In Geelong, Operation Detector will focus on improving road user’s awareness and compliance with road rules within school zones," S/Sgt Coles said. "Police will perform laser duties and enforcement of crossings and parking issues focusing on speed in 40km/h zones and illegally parked vehicles. "If you are out there, you will be caught. I encourage all drivers to be alert on the road and be aware of variable speed limits around schools – they are there to protect our children so please, slow down," S/Sgt Coles said. VicRoads and Victoria Police are calling for all parents and other road users to be patient and obey the speed limit to protect our most vulnerable road users as they are going to and from school. |