Queensland Police warns motorists of greater focus on school zones as students return for the year
January 23, 2012
Queensland Police has warned motorists more officers will be stationed around school zones to crack down on road offences as the new school year begins.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson says officers will be targeting 40km/h school zones, parking and no standing zone offences, school crossings and any other offences detected around schools.
“From this week, hundreds of thousands of school children will again be walking, running and playing around schools, including an estimated 60,000 children who are going to school for the first time,” Police Minister Neil Roberts says.
“Young people can behave and act unpredictably, that’s why it’s so important for motorists to be extra vigilant around schools.”
Queensland’s road toll is already markedly higher than at the same period in 2011. Roberts says 18 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads since January 1, nine more than at the same time last year.
Atkinson is also urging parents to park in designated areas to ensure students do not have to walk onto roadways or between parked cars.
“Police make no apology for enforcing the road rules on Queensland roads, particularly when it comes to school zones where young people are particularly at-risk,” Atkinson says.
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