With the school holidays coming to an end, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is reminding the community to take extra care and slow down for school zones from Monday.

“The winter school holidays are always a great time for families, and I hope our kids took full advantage of the sunny days in our region,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s back to school time now though and it’s important that we remember that school zones will be back in force from Monday.

“Most school zones are in force from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm, and drivers are reminded to be extra careful at pick up and drop off time, or when students may be walking home.

“Higher fines and demerit points will apply for some offences committed in an active school zone, such as speeding, parking, or stopping illegally, using a mobile phone illegally.

“It’s also a good time for parents to remind their kids about pedestrian safety, particularly around peak travel times in the morning and afternoon.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said children are some of our most vulnerable pedestrians and their safety is our number one priority.

“Please be extra observant while driving near schools or bus stops, school crossings and Kiss and Ride zones,” Mr Farraway said.

“It is vital everyone slows down to 40km/h when bus lights flash because this means a bus is picking up or dropping off children and in regional areas this can often be along a road or at a driveway.

“Please don’t put our kids’ lives at risk. ‘Just a bit over’ can be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all.”

The NSW Government is committed to student safety and has implemented several safety initiatives to improve the visibility of school zones including signage, road markings, flashing lights, and more than 300 new school crossing supervisors.

For more information on school zones please visit The Centre for Road Safety site and school road safety education site Safety Town https://www.safetytown.com.au/