Reduced speed limits around schools back in force as students return to classrooms

With students heading back into the classroom under a staged reopening of schools from next week, drivers are being reminded that reduced speed limits around schools will be back in force across Maroondah.

From Tuesday 26 May, a reduced 40km speed limit will apply on weekdays within school zones across Victoria during school term.

The Victorian Government has announced a staggered return for students in term two as part of a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Drivers must slow down to 40kmh between 8am and 9.30am, as well as after school, between 2.30pm and 4pm around school zones. Council’s school crossing supervisors will also be back at schools helping children safety cross the road.

Road safety will be a focus for police as more students return to the classroom.

Sergeant Mark Molloy of Ringwood Police said officers would be enforcing the school zone speed limits from next week as an extension of COVID-19 patrols.

“Police will be concentrating their efforts around school pick-up and drop-off times, so people can expect a more visible presence around school zones as of next week,” Sergeant Molloy said.

“We’re reminding drivers to just be careful and practice extra vigilance on the roads,” he said.

Councillor Rob Steane, Chair of the Maroondah Community Safety Committee, said that while many students would be returning to school on Tuesday 26 May, motorists should be prepared to slow down from Monday.

“With restrictions around COVID-19 being eased and the increase in traffic flow around the same time as schools returning, it is important to get everybody back into thinking about safety and slowing down around school zones,” Cr Steane said.

While some schools have been open for children of essential workers since the beginning of term two, next Tuesday, after weeks of remote learning, prep, grade one and two pupils will return to their classrooms. VCE and VCAL students, and students who attend specialist schools, will also return on 26 May.

The return to school will be staggered, with students in other year levels expected to return to classrooms on Tuesday 9 June.

“We urge motorists to be patient, to stick to the 40kmh school speed zone limits and take extra care when driving around schools and allow students to cross the road safely,” Cr Steane said.

Drop-off and pick-up times at schools will also be staggered in order to maintain the required 1.5-metre physical distancing rule.

“Social and physical distancing protocols continue to apply in a school setting. This may mean different arrangements for pick-up and drop-off, online meetings between parents and staff rather than face-to-face and different staff room arrangements for teaching staff.

Individual schools will make the appropriate arrangements for their community, so it’s important parents contact their child’s school to find out what required measures are in place,” Cr Steane said.

Cr Steane 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,” he 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,” he added.

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