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

“Tasmanian drivers need to remember, that after a couple of weeks off, reduced speed zones come back into effect this coming week,” Inspector Adrian Shadbolt said.

“Safety is our number one priority and as such Tasmania Police will be monitoring motorists’ behaviour across our school zones.”

Police will focus on traffic related offences specifically targeting speeding within school zones and around bus stops.   Police will also focus on 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 aren’t complied with without realising 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 Shadbolt 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.”