It’s back to school – remember 40kmh speed zones

Maroondah drivers a reminded that 40kmh and other reduced speed school zones are back in force this week as children return to school for Term 3.

Councillor Samantha Mazzuchelli said the lower the speed, the less likely the risk of an accident occurring.

“Motorists have had a two-week break with no reduced school speed limits, so it is really important to get everybody back into thinking about safety and slowing down around school zones,” she said.

“We all know that schools are busy areas for traffic and pedestrians and that school-aged children sometimes don’t appreciate the dangers of those conditions. The reduced speed helps drivers to react quickly and avoid accidents.”

Time-specific school zones usually operate between 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays during Victorian school terms.

“Areas surrounding Maroondah schools are clearly signed to indicate the 40kmh speed limit. Some are permanent 40kmh zones, whereas some only apply to specific time periods,” Cr Mazzuchelli said.

“Exceptions to these school zones include time-based 60kmh speed limits outside schools on 80kmh roads, like Maroondah Highway. Electronic variable signs are being used on these roads to indicate the correct speed limits for a particular time of the day.”

Cr Mazzuchelli also urged students not to use their mobile phones or earphones when walking, particularly when crossing the road.

“This message also applies to parents who are picking up children – don’t use your mobile phone or headphone devices when driving. Your attention should always be on the road,” she said.

“Distractions are one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s vital that both motorists and students observe and obey road safety rules.

“Speed limits displayed are the maximum legal speed and motorists should always drive to conditions and within the speed limit – which may mean slowing down even more outside schools when necessary,” Cr Mazzuchelli added.

Speed limits in school zones are communicated with permanent speed limit signs, advance warning signs, time-based signs or electronic variable signs.