Bulli & Clifton Times

WITH thousands of children going back to school or just beginning, it’s essential that drivers are aware of school children and safety around Illawarra schools for the new 2017 school term.

Council’s Road Safety Officer Naomi Reid said Council has produced a new brochure, flyers for schools and parents, and banners highlighting the importance of road safety around schools and the different parking signs and zones around schools.

“With many school children either beginning school or returning, it’s essential that parents and drivers understand these signs and the implications of parking, dropping off children or speeding in these areas,” Ms Reid said.

“I will be working with the local schools, Council’s Rangers and NSW Police to assist with education and raising awareness of the school zones. These zones can be very busy at the beginning or end of the school day. All drivers need to ensure that they are driving safely and know where they can park to drop off or pick up school children.”

Council has produced a new flyer, Keep our children safe, Important signs around schools, to explain the different signs, such as No Parking, No Stopping, and Bus Zone, around school areas. The flyer also lists the fines – from $180 to $433 – and demerit points that apply for disobeying the signs or zones. It also provides information on Children’s Crossings, Double Parking and Speeding.

Council has 14 short, illustrated articles that can be used in school or community newsletters. Each article looks at a different theme – such as Hold Your Child’s Hand, Using Crossings Correctly, Double Parking – and aims to educate or remind parents of the rules around school zones.

The flyer and short articles are available on Council’s website.

The initiative is part of the Local Government Road Safety program to improve pedestrian safety around schools. For more information you can contact Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.