Summer holidays are are coming to an end and students are getting ready to return to school next week for term one of 2020. Some of the students will be attending school for the first time, so Bass Coast Shire Council is reminding the community members and parents that the School Zone speed limits are back in effect.
Drivers are reminded that when approaching school crossings, they should slow down to 40km/hr or less, watch for children and remember the school crossings must be completely vacated of all pedestrians, including the Crossing Supervisor, before driving through.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, asked the community to be careful on the roads especially around the school zones as more children may choose to walk to school during the warmer months.
“It is easy sometimes to forget that the speed limits have changed back when you have been used to driving past a school zone during the holidays, so please be mindful”, Cr Tessari said.
It is also important to not park too close to the school crossings, as Crossing Supervisors need a clear field of vision in all directions around their crossing so they can spot approaching children and vehicles as soon as possible. Vehicles must not stop 20 metres before or 10 metres after a school crossing, which is generally defined by line markings or parking signage.
Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, asked parents to remember the parking rules during drop off and pick up times.
“The rules are there to help ensure the safety of children, pedestrians and motorists around our schools and streets. It might seem harmless double parking, stopping in a bus zone or no standing zone for a few seconds, but it is safer to park in the designated areas or a bit further away and enjoy a short stroll”, Cr Tessari said.
Reduced speed limits, school crossings and parking restrictions around schools are in place to improve the movements of traffic during peak times and maximise safety for children and all road users.
Council and Victoria Police will be monitoring school crossings and driver behaviour around schools in coming weeks, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times.
Please remember it is an offence to:
- Double park by stopping next to a legally parked vehicle – even for a short time or to drop off or pick up passengers.
- Stop or park across a driveway, footpath or dividing strip except when picking up or dropping off passengers.
- Stop or park within 10 metres of an intersection
- Stop or park across or in a bus zone.
