7 March 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging people to do the right thing when it comes to parking around the Shire’s schools.

Council Rangers have been distributing information leaflets about road rules and parking around schools in a campaign to remind parents and carers of their responsibilities in school zones.

“This is about increasing awareness of the road rules, and making sure our kids get to and from school safely,” Council’s Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane said.

“If your school has a designated ‘kiss and drop’ zone, this will be sign posted as no parking. This means a driver can stop for two minutes and must stay within three metres of their vehicle.

“School zones are inherently busy areas where there are often large volumes of young children who do not always readily understand the dangers of roads and vehicles. Parking signs are planned with children’s safety in mind.”

Council’s tips to driving and parking safely near schools:

• Park safely and legally, even if it means walking further to the school gate.
• Slow down to 40km/h in the school zone and stay aware of crossings.
• Always park and turn legally around the school.
• Never double park as it puts children at risk.
• Manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns are dangerous.
• Never park in a bus zone or in the school bus bay.
• Make sure your children use the safety door (rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car.
• At a supervised crossing, observe the directions of the school crossing supervisor.
• Model safe and considerate behavior for your child.

The campaign is in collaboration with the NSW Government’s “Towards Zero” initiative – an operation to push the NSW road toll towards zero.

School zone parking offences can attract fines and the loss of two demerit points.

Photo Caption: Council’s Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane and Ranger Ian Chetcuti.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.