It’s that time of year again when ‘school run’ traffic and school speed zones resume.

School buses will be back on the roads and there’ll be more traffic with cars dropping off and picking up students.

Traffic congestion at peak times means journeys may take longer.

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.
• Obey parking laws around school zones.

Inspector John Ward said:

“With the school holidays finishing drivers need to remember that the reduced speed zones around schools come back into effect this week.

“As always, safety is our number one aim and that’s why we’ll be conducting speed checks in school zones.

“We’ll also be ensuring drivers comply with school parking zones and no standing zones because these are important measures to help make sure children and traffic can come and go safely.”