Thousands of Tasmanian children will return to school from today and police are urging motorists to make sure they are familiar with the road rules around school zones.

While some students will return to school today and next week, most will return on Tuesday (Feb 15) in the North and North West and on Wednesday (Feb 16) in Southern Tasmania.

“Police will be actively targeting school zones and will have a low tolerance in these areas,” said the Acting Commissioner of Police, Scott Tilyard.

“Some school zones now have illuminated 40 kilometres an hour signs, so there is no excuse for drivers not to slow down.

“The speed limit is there for a reason so motorists have extra time should they need to stop suddenly and/or unexpectedly.

“Police will be actively conducting overt and covert operations around school areas not only for the period when school returns but in the weeks and months that follow,” Mr Tilyard said.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Management and Education, Lin Thorp, also urged motorists to be vigilant around school crossings.

“Sometimes new students and young students can be unpredictable around school zones and buses so it is important to take extra care around these areas,” Ms Thorp said.

Motorists should also be aware that a 40 kilometre speed limit also applies when school buses activate their flashing lights when dropping off children, even if not in a school zone.  This applies within 50 metres of the bus.

“This legislation is intended to protect children around buses where they are often not seen and therefore vulnerable,” Ms Thorp said.

“This time of year is also a good opportunity for parents to remind their children of how to behave around school zones and buses.”

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2867

(Below Image > Acting Commissioner of Police, Scott Tilyard and Minister for Police and Emergency Management and Education, Lin Thorp participating in a safe walk to school).