Wyndham council has urged community members, particularly drivers, to remain vigilant around schools as students return for the first term of 2022.
As schools re-open on January 31, the council is reminding residents to be aware of their surroundings and to slow down and park safely when driving near schools.
The council’s community safety portfolio holder, councillor Susan McIntyre said: “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so all road users including cyclists are asked to be diligent and alert around schools, particularly during peak times.”
“We know that drop-off and pick-up times can be particularly stressful for all involved and that is why there are reduced speed zones around schools in place between 8am to 9.30am and in the afternoon between 2.30 and 4pm.”
Cr McIntyre also said that that double parking, stopping in a no-standing zone and parking on nature strips “is both illegal and dangerous”.
“Residents should look out for the 40-kilometre zones, follow road rules and watch out for school crossing supervisors,” she added.
The council has advised parents, guardians and carers to discuss how to be safe near traffic with youngsters, including the importance of using supervised school crossings when available and obeying pedestrian crossings and traffic lights.
“Children and students are vulnerable around our roads, so we all need to do our bit to ensure that they get to school safely and return safely each and every day,” Cr McIntyre said.
The council’s Wyndham Active Travel to School program supports schools to implement programs that increase walking, riding and scooting to school.
The program aims to increase physical activity and reduce traffic congestion.
Details: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/school-speed-zones, www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/activetransportstrategy2020
