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

Maroondah drivers are reminded that 40kmh and other reduced speed school zones will be back in force as children return to school this week.

School speed zones will be back in operation for the start of Term 1 on Wednesday 29 January.

Cr Samantha Mazzuchelli said that while many students would be returning to school from holidays on Wednesday 29 January, motorists should be prepared to slow down from Monday.

“We have had a decent break over Christmas and new year 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,” Cr Mazzuchelli said.

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 added.

The 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 the particular time of the day.

“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,” she said.

“We all know that school zones 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.”

She also urged students to not use their mobile phones or earphones 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.

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

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