Tasmanian motorists have been reminded to slow down for back to school traffic around the State tomorrow.

“Tasmanian drivers need to remember, that after a couple of weeks off, reduced speed zones come back into effect from Monday 30 April,” Inspector Darren Hopkins said.

“Safety is our number one priority and as such Tasmania Police will be monitoring motorists’ behaviour across our school zones – which is also timely as it’s National Road Safety Week this coming week.”

Police will focus on traffic related offences specifically targeting speeding within school zones and around bus stops. Police will also target drink and drug driving, inattention and parking offences.
At school start and finish times when traffic volume and congestion is at its highest in those areas, sometimes parking laws are not complied with without realisation of the risk being placed upon pedestrians in the area.

“Parking laws in school are ultimately in place for the safety of everybody including the crossing guards, children, pedestrians and other motorists and drivers should comply with designated signage and road markings,” Inspector Hopkins said.

It’s also timely for motorists to remember:
• Flashing lights on a school bus mean the bus has stopped to load or unload students. The law requires you to slow to 40kmh or less within 50m;
• 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;

“Motorists need to remember to be alert, vigilant and patient when travelling in and around school and bus zones and obey the road rules.”