Police have urged motorists to be aware of an increase in the number of children returning to school this month and to take extra care when approaching school zones.

They have also warned they will issue fines if people fail to obey road rules with the minimum penalty for speeding in a school zone a $207 fine and loss of one demerit point.

Regional road policing and community engagement manager Acting Senior Sergeant Caroline Johnson said police would be patrolling in and around school zones to ensure everyone gets to and from school safely.

“If you choose to speed, expect to get caught,” she said.

“We do not want to be issuing infringements, but if people choose to put lives at risk we will hold them to account.”

Acting Sen Sgt Johnson said motorists needed to be aware that with more children returning to school from Tuesday, there would be extra traffic in and around school areas.

“We remind people that the speed limit around schools is 40kmh, so slow down, be patient and stick to the speed limit,” she said.

“Some kids might be out of practice with their road safety after learning from home for a while and we know pedestrians and cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users.

“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 they are hit by a car going faster than 40kmh they have very little chance of survival.

“We want everyone to get to and from school safely, so play your part in keeping everyone safe.”

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