Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) Councillor and Road Safety Committee representative Charlie Sheahan has issued a reminder to motorists to drive safely around schools and bus stops with the resumption of students returning to schools this month.
School Zones in NSW have been active since the commencement Term Two on 27 April. From 11 May, all schools will see students return to classes for at least one day a week in a staggered approach that will continue as term two progresses. The staggered approach has the potential to cause confusion amongst road users and may also have the potential to see more students being driven to school, increasing traffic around school zones.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant impact to the region’s schools. We’ve seen reduced numbers of students since before the holidays which in turn has seen reduced traffic around schools. Over the next few weeks we will see these numbers increase, so I urge all motorists to take care around schools, at bus stops both in town and out of town, and to please slow down and be aware that our school children will be active around the region’s road network,” Cr Sheahan said.
Councillor Charlie Sheahan said he wants to see motorists adhere to the 40km/h speed zone when school buses have their wig wag lights flashing.
“These lights flash to warn motorists that the school bus is either picking up or dropping off passengers, a 40km/h speed zone exists around buses when these lights are flashing, this includes in town and out of town. The rule applies to both formal and informal (road side) bus stops. Police will be monitoring traffic around school buses during drop off and pick up times across the region’s roads,” Cr Sheahan said.
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Motorists are urged to take care around schools and school buses with the resumption of school activities.
