By YASEMIN TALAT
SCHOOL safety zones will be a top priority for Brimbank and Melton Police next week when school gates open for another term.
As the school holidays wrap up this week police are sending a strong message to all motorists – slow down.
Police are set to crack down on motorists as part of Operation School Zone which will be conducted across Brimbank and Melton next week.
The two-day blitz from 7-8 October will target motorists who are not obeying the reduced speed areas around schools and who park illegally.
Motorists are being urged to slow down, drive safely and obey the 40km/h zones around schools.
Senior Sergeant Ross Burbidge said 40km/h speed limits and parking restrictions around schools were in place to protect schoolchildren and other pedestrians and must be obeyed.
“The first week back is an exciting day where students will be reunited with friends and share tales from their holidays,” Sen Sgt Burbidge said.
“It’s this excitement which can lead to distraction on our roads around crossings and parked cars,” he said.
“Children are one of our most vulnerable road user groups – as pedestrians and bike riders they can be unpredictable,” he said. “This is why motorists must slow down and obey school safety zones.”
As well as speed limits motorists are also urged to obey parking signs and avoid parking illegally.
“Parking restrictions around schools aim to ensure that children can see traffic before stepping onto the road,” he said.
“Parking restrictions also allow drivers to see children who are about to cross the road.”
Sen Sgt Burbidge warned that police would have a zero tolerance approach to hoon behaviour around schools.
“We won’t tolerate any excuses and if we pull you over doing the wrong thing, expect to be penalised,” he said.
“It’s essential that drivers obey these limits.”
And as the hundreds of students flock back to school, motorists are being reminded the prime school times and change in speed limits are between 8am and 9.30 am and 2.30pm and 4pm.
“I’m calling on all road users to slow down in school zones and drive safely,” Sen Sgt Burbidge said.
“The alternative is something that I certainly don’t want to be here talking about,” he said.
“Consider this your warning now – we don’t want to hear excuses when we pull you over.”
Most schools will return back to school next Monday 8 October.
