Police would like to remind drivers that students go back to school this week so traffic will become busier again and school speed zones will come back into effect.

Police will have an increased presence in school traffic areas across the state.

Acting Inspector Ian Mathewson said:

“Sometimes after a break drivers can forget about school speed zones or become impatient with traffic and buses on the roads again.

“Please leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and be patient with other drivers and pedestrians.

“The unpredictability of children should never be underestimated so slow down in school zones and stick to the traffic and parking rules.

“Young children should be supervised at all times while walking on footpaths and crossing roads,” he said.

It’s also a good time to remind drivers and pedestrians of a few road safety tips around schools:

 Flashing lights on a school bus mean the bus has stopped to load or unload students. The law requires you to slow to 40kmh within 50metres;

 Wherever possible pedestrians should cross at designated crossings;

 Supervise young children while they wait at bus stops or cross roads;

 Slow down and obey all traffic speed signs and stop for crossing guards on the roadway; and

 Obey parking laws around school zones.