3 February 2020

School zones back in force from today

| Dominic Giannini
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School zone

School zones are now in force across the ACT. Photo: File.

The new school year has officially begun and that means so have school zone speed limits.

ACT Policing are reminding motorists that speed restrictions of 40km/h are in force between 8 am and 4 pm across the Territory.

The reduced speed limits are in place to help protect vulnerable road users and keep our children safe, officer in charge of traffic operations Detective Station Sergeant Marcus Boorman said.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it is important motorists slow down and pay special attention when travelling near schools,” Detective Station Sergeant Boorman said.

“Children’s behaviour around traffic can often be unpredictable. The lower speed limit around our school zones reduces the risk and potential severity of a crash.”

The 40km/h school zones give motorists more time to stop in an unexpected situation with tough penalties including traffic fines and loss of licence in place for those who exceed the speed limit during these hours, ACT Policing says.

“Speeding, even by a small amount, increases the distance travelled while the driver reacts to an obstacle as well as the breaking distance,” the police say on their website.

“Speed limits in the ACT are enforced by police patrols using radar and laser speed measuring devices, speed cameras and fixed speed cameras attached to red light cameras at intersections.

“If you are speeding and involved in a collision, you could face serious charges including negligent or culpable driving resulting in injury or death. You could face penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.”

If caught speeding in a school zone motorists could face fines of up to $2136 and 6 Demerit Points.

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