Drivers urged to exercise caution and patience as school classes resume

With students from prep to year 7 back to school for Term 4, Council is reminding parents and carers to exercise caution and patience when dropping off or collecting children from school.

Feedback to Council from both motorists and pedestrians earlier in the year suggested children’s safety around schools is being greatly compromised by poor driver behaviour.

From 12 October 2020, a reduced 40kmh speed limit will apply on weekdays within school zones across Maroondah as students, including those in year 11 and 12, specialist schools and year 10 students enrolled in VCE or VCAL program, return to full-time on-site learning.

Students in years 8 to 10 will return to full-time on-site schooling from 26 October.

While the majority of people are using the designated school parking areas, there have been instances and complaints of drivers being illegally parked and stopping in school zones which creates dangerous situations.

Vehicles that stop beside parked cars are ‘double parking’ and are breaking the law. Double parking interferes with the flow of traffic and can cause accidents.

It is imperative that drivers take note of parking restrictions and regulations – they are enforced around schools with regular patrols by Council local law traffic officers. Drivers who fail to abide by the parking rules will be fined.

The Victorian Education Department has developed a Return to School Operations Guide to support schools manage the return to on-site schooling, including implementing staggered start and finish times.

Staggered drop-off and pick-ups were introduced in Term 2 following a staged reopening of schools in order to reduce the number of adults around school grounds at any one time.

Parents are encouraged to observe physical distancing measures by not congregating in areas around schools. Please keep 1.5 metres from each other while at or around school gates. If you or your child are unwell, please stay at home.