Warning to NSW motorists with school zones operating on non-school days

Motorists in NSW could face more than $750,000 in school zone fines in the coming days, despite most pupils not returning to classes until next week.

School zones were back in effect statewide as of Friday, with drivers reminded that the zones also apply to school-free days.

Last January, NSW drivers were fined over $750,000 for speeding on two school-free days in school zones – about three times the rate on a normal school day.

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Most of those caught, or 85 percent, were driving less than 10 km/h over the 40 km/h limit and were automatically pinged by fixed or red light cameras.

Despite the apparent lack of awareness, hefty fines and double penalties still loom for those caught doing the wrong thing, NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury warned.

“Obviously people still don’t get the message that school zones are operational on all school days published in the Gazette, even on non-student days like today,” Khoury said.

“The fines are rightly high because it’s never okay to drive around a school, but if you’re caught in a school area today, you’ll get a hefty fine as well as double penalties.”

The penalty for drivers caught going up to 10 km/h over the speed limit in school zones is $494 and two demerits or four in double demerits.

Premier Dominic Perrottet denied the exercise was about raising revenue and said some independent schools had already resumed on Friday.

He also said traffic around the schools had increased as parents bought uniforms and picked up children from pre- and after-school care, which continued throughout the summer.

“Today is a day off for many, but not for others. It’s the consistent approach we’ve always taken at this point as we go into the school year,” Perrottet said.

The NRMA calls for renewed education about school zone boundaries and efforts to curb unsafe parental behavior, such as bullying. B. Illegal parking to make schools safer.

“Many communities and schools report that the behavior of parents and guardians poses the greatest road safety challenge when people park illegally in school zones. These behaviors are not only illegal but also dangerous,” said Khoury.

“Our school zones are among the safest in the world, yet we know that complacency can kill. That’s why the NRMA believes now is the time to re-energize our efforts to keep children safe around schools.”