19 February, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding people that responsible driving and parking are number one priorities for school road safety.

There are rules and regulations governing road safety in school zones, including 40km/h areas during school drop-off and pick-up times, as well as designated “kiss and drop” areas and other regulated parking areas.

Gunnedah Shire Council Regulatory Services Co-ordinator Wade Berryman said doing the right thing in school zones helps ensure children get to and from school safely.

“Parking regulations and slower school zones have been designed specifically to protect our kids at very busy times of the day,” Mr Berryman said.

“Children may not be paying attention to what is happening on the road, so drivers need to be very alert in school zones, and to be aware of their responsibilities.

“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 zone traffic and parking regulations are enforceable and can lead to fines and the loss of demerit points.”

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 - 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 behaviour for your child.

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

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.