Wyndham council has warned it will be putting the brakes on drivers who flout parking laws, as children across the state gradually return to school from this week.
The council has advised drivers there will be changed travel patterns in and around schools, which have introduced staggered start and finish times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wyndham’s safer communities portfolio holder, Cr Kim McAliney, said council officers would be patrolling schools and fining motorists who did not park correctly.
“While the majority of parents and guardians obey the road rules, slow down to 40 km per hour, and park in the designated parking spaces, sometimes there were a few residents who flout these rules,” Cr McAliney said.
“Council staff will be out in full force and will not hesitate issuing fines to people double parking near schools or parking outside of designated car spaces.
“During a time where it has never been more important to work together, we are asking everyone to be mindful of their parking and driving behaviour around schools for the safety of Wyndham families and out school crossing supervisors.
“Council is working closely with Victoria Police to ensure drivers slow down to 40km per hour outside school zones from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm and follow the guidance of school crossing supervisors.”
Cr McAliney said parents and guardians should allow themselves extra time to park properly and to ensure their children get to school gates safely.
“Parents are encouraged to park at nearby reserves and to walk the short distance to schools to minimise traffic congestion around the school gate, support social distancing, and boost health and wellbeing,” she said.
“To reduce school run stress, perhaps consider riding, walking, or scooting to school.”
The council has erected signs at some of the municipality’s busiest school crossings, explaining the social distancing measures that need to be in place hile walking to school.
Cr McAliney said it was important to keep a 1.5-metre distance from other people around the school gate, including the school crossing supervisor.
