SCHOOLS are finally back for Victorian students, and police are warning drivers to be extra careful around school zones.

Victoria Police road policing command assistant commissioner Libby Murphy urged caution for drivers around schools. “Children are understandably excited to get to school and see their friends after a lengthy break,” she said. “In that excitement, it can be easy to forget the dangers of the road and passing traffic.

“Whether kids are walking or riding their bike to and from school, or getting out of a car to walk to the front gate, if a child is hit at greater than 40km an hour they have very little chance of survival. Slow down, be patient and stick to the speed limit.

“With extra people moving about, it is so important that we take note of those reduced speed limits and stick to them. Police will be actively patrolling in and around school zones to make sure everyone gets to and from school safely. If you choose to speed, expect to get caught.”

The minimum penalty for speeding in a school zone is a $207 fine, and the loss of one demerit point.

First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 14 October 2020