With students and staff returning to school this week, Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, is urging drivers to take extra care, slow down around schools and understand the different traffic conditions implemented.

“It is so exciting to get the new school year off and running and it is very important that we do so with safety front of mind,” Cr Fedeli said.

“Most school zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm and when school zone flashing lights operate – so please slow down, remain focused and obey the road rules when driving around schools.

“As a mother and a grandmother, I can’t imagine anything worse than something happening to our children. It’s so important we do everything we can to keep them safe.

“We can all play it safe by sticking to 40 kilometres an hour around schools and following the road rules, as well as looking out for children crossing the road near a bus stop or school zone.

“Transport for NSW have also notified Council that they will be extending the school zone for Spring Farm Public School to include Starke Street and Springs Road in Spring Farm. Make sure to stay alert to what’s going on around this area and always be cautious.”

Drivers are reminded increased fines and demerit points apply for certain school zone offences, with illegal use of mobile phones and speeding among those included. Drivers are also reminded of the rules around school buses – when the lights are flashing on the backs of buses, it’s a requirement to drop down to the 40 kilometre an hour speed limit, even if it’s not in a school zone.

Many schools experience significantly higher traffic volumes during pick up and drop off times. Please be patient and adhere to the road rules.

For more information on the school zone extension at Spring Farm, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/