Motorists across Geelong and the Surf Coast have been urged to slow down, with school zones coming into effect today as students return to the classrooms.
New school zones on Horseshoe Bend Road near Torquay Coast Primary School and the Great Ocean Road in Jan Juc, near Bellbrae Primary School will come into effect from Monday, January 31.
From the first day of the new school year, the changes will lower the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.
The changed speeds will improve safety for all road users while addressing community concerns about students’ safety when participating in active travel to school.
Surf Coast Shire acting mayor Liz Pattison said the council was “really pleased” to see the new limits arrive in time for term one, and reiterated the importance of road safety.
“It’s fantastic for council to have received the full support of Victoria Police, the Department of Transport and parents and families wanting a safer route for their kids,” Cr Pattison said.
“As a council, it’s rewarding when the community raises concerns and we’re able to implement strategies to address them. This is a great result, particularly for the students themselves who can feel safer on their way to and from school.”
“It’s important to always drive carefully around schools to ensure the safety of students, parents and staff.”
Drivers are reminded to observe 40km/h school zone speed limits in coming weeks as schools return for 2022.
Victoria Police have also urged drivers to be extra careful, with younger schoolchildren likely to have forgotten basic road rules over the summer period.
Police will be actively patrolling in and around school zones to make sure everyone gets to and from school safely.
In most cases, the speed limit is 40km/hr and is in place from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays during the school terms.
The minimum penalty for speeding in a school zone is a $227 fine and the loss of one demerit point.
Parents are also reminded to follow parking restrictions to ensure safe movement of both pedestrians and vehicles around schools.
