With students and staff returning to school this week, Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, is urging drivers to take extra care and slow down around schools.

“With six weeks of school holidays passing us by, it can be easy to forget that school zones have become enforced again,” she said.

“It’s important we keep safety front of mind and remain vigilant around schools. As a mother, I can’t imagine anything worse than the thought of something happening to our children. We need to do everything we can to keep them safe.”

Cr Cagney said most school zones operated from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm, and when school zone flashing lights were on.

“We can all do our part by not exceeding 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,” she said.

“Make sure to stay alert to what’s going on 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, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones.