More parents ‘ignore speed rule at schools’

Alex de Vos
Geelong motorists were increasingly thumbing their noses at special speed limits outside schools despite intense media campaigns warning them to slow down, police said yesterday.
And parents were the worst offenders as they transported their own children but ignored the safety of other kids, police said.
Geelong Traffic Management Unit acting sergeant Ron Grey said police nabbed more than 60 motorists in the first one and a half days of a week-long speeding blitz outside Geelong schools this week.
Sgt Grey said one motorist was caught doing 26km/h over the 40km/h school zones speed limit.
He was alarmed that police had caught more drivers speeding outside schools this week than during a previous blitz in Geelong.
“I’m very disappointed with the results so far, especially with the recent media coverage urging people to slow down,” Sgt Grey said.
“People are continuing to ignore the signs – it’s so dangerous. Parents are the main offenders and they need to be aware there are other children around.”
Sgt Grey said police would continue to crack down on motorists disobeying the 40km/h speed limits from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm .
“This is our ninth operation and it’s going to be an ongoing blitz.
“I know parents are in a hurry but they need to slow down.”
Sgt Grey said police would also target parents who continued breaching parking rules.
Geelong Safety Committee’s John Frame urged motorists to slow down in school zones.
“People need to take responsibility for their actions and, from a safety committee point of view, we support any efforts by the police to ensure the safety of parents and children in school zones,” Mr Frame said.