Ignore School Zone rules and pay the price

The City of Canterbury Bankstown has announced it will be taking a zero tolerance approach to child safety in school zones in 2019.

Today, on the first day of the new school year, Mayor Khal Asfour joined local police in sending a strong message to motorists.

“We have 58,000 students and each of them deserve to be protected, particularly when they are entering or exiting their school,” he said.

“They shouldn’t have to be worried about adults who know better, but do the wrong thing in a 40km/h speed zone.”

​In 2018, Council was forced to issue 1,439 fines, compared with 1,136 in 2017 – a 27 per cent increase. This was despite the fact, the number of school patrols were increased by 5 percent, from 544 to 569. The two main offences were stopping in a No Stopping Zone or stopping in a Bus Zone.

Mayor Asfour said the proceeds of the fines go towards the funding of two road safety officers and the education campaigns they develop, which they deliver at local schools.

“We’re finding the children know the dos and dont's but the parents, who also know, simply ignore them purely for their own personal convenience,” he said.

“A decision to pull up in a No Stopping Zone or do a U-turn across unbroken lines, could very well mean a child is seriously injured, or worse.

“The crazy thing is, the laws are there to protect their children, yet they are ignoring them. And, unfortunately, this is a problem right across Sydney.”

Today, local police conducted a school zone blitz outside Earlwood Public, with two motorists fined for speeding, despite the officers being highly visible.

Highway Patrol Senior Constable, Daniel Polley, echoed Mayor Asfour’s comments.

“It’s extremely important motorists are always doing the right thing and driving safely, but this is particularly the case in school zones,” he said.

“It’s simple – do the right thing and there won’t be any consequences.”