A non astro community announcement for NSW drivers

[h0ughy (David)]

To improve the safety of school children, penalties for traffic and parking offences in school zones will increase from 21 May 2007.


The increased fines and demerit points will apply to 130 offences committed in school zones during posted school hours.

New fines and demerit point increases include:

Speeding – minimum fines of $128 and 4 demerit points.

Approach children’s crossing too quickly to stop safely – $384 fine and 4 demerit points.

Double parking – $231 fine and 2 demerit points.

Stopping on or near a children’s crossing – $308 and 2 demerit points.

To check out the full list of school zone demerit points and offences see the RTA website:

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregul...tlist_dl1.html

Increased fines and demerit points in school zones are part of a Child Road Safety Package which also includes:

An electronic school speed zone alert system, incorporating flashing 40km/hr signs, installed at 100 school sites.

A combination of 50 fixed and mobile speed cameras.

A Drop off and Pick Up scheme to relieve parking congestion outside schools.

[iceman (Mike)]

I think that's fair enough.. I've driven through school zones many times and kids can run out of anywhere. You really need to pay attention.

Not to mention I don't want drivers driving fast near my kids school!

I think these extra penalties are a good idea to get people to slow down around schools.

Having said that, the last point is definitely needed at most schools. It's absolute chaos most days with parents picking up and dropping off kids. Some parents add to the danger with their behaviour outside schools.

[h0ughy (David)]

yes that true, but how can these things be enforced without general duties Police baing on hand to do it. There are no resources to really make this effective

[cahullian]

Its the same with all road rules. Unless the police are on hand law breakers will get away with it. But the thought of working a couple of days to pay your fines if caught might make some hoons slow down..but I doubt it. I work in a high school and the number of people I see flying past is terrible. Why not go the whole hog and make it a loss of licence if caught doing over 10km in school zones, that might slow some down.

Gazz

[Dujon]

I suppose, Houghy, that the deterrent is that they might be - just like mobile speed cameras.

Any driver who knowingly drives through a school zone and ignores the accepted mores should be flogged. I live close to a primary school and a kindergarten (different premises and not related) and have often baulked because of shadows or movement behind the parked vehicles. I'd rather do that though than clobber an impulsive or careless child.

[ving (David)]

i think its fine, as long as the police arent neglecting the real criminals out there while they are trying to raise revenue...

[cahullian]

I agree ving. Far too often police drive past muggings or whatever to stop someone who is driving a little too fast. I also think they like the thought of a good car chase through the city.

Gazz

[rmcpb (Rob)]

That is all well and good BUT to reduce risk there is a cascade used in the safety industr:

• eliminate
• substitute
• isolate
• etc

In the mountains we have schools on the Great Western Highway and going down to 40kph, while a noble idea, is not practical or ignored by many drivers.

Why not isolate the school from the highway with a tall metal fence and organise a pickup area off the highway?

Cheers

[ving (David)]

Originally Posted by rmcpb

That is all well and good BUT to reduce risk there is a cascade used in the safety industr:

• eliminate
• substitute
• isolate
• etc

etc?

i dont remember that one in my OH&S training

[cahullian]

In a perfect world all school would be located in pedestrian areas thus avoiding any need for such drastic actions. It has happened in lots of inner city shopping areas why not school?

Gazz

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I think all agree that keeping our school zones safe (and the people inside of them) is a great idea...

If enhanced penalties or enforcement help do this then in my opinion it is a good thing...

Having participated in the school pick-up/drop-off chaos a few times it is clear to me that something more needs to be done.

Be Safe!

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Fantastic ideas. Hopefully Qld will follow suit, especially on the double parking one. How about U turns across a double white line just before the pedestrian crossing at the top of a hill. That one needs about $1000 and all your points.

I drive through a crossing every morning at peak dropoff time. There is a high school on one side of the road and a primary school on the other and a special school at the T intersectionat the end, and a billion kids everywhere. This is not a major traffic road though does get a fair amount of through traffic and there is a lollipop guard at the crossing. The police monitor the main road at the T intersection about 300 meters down at least once a week. The tafe is next do and some of the younger boys and girls (and adults) think the nice straight road is just right for a bit more speed than 40 ks.

However speed is not the main issue here. It is the last two, double parking and stopping too near the crossing (how about dropping off at the crossing itself ). I really don't believe that some parents think at times, or there minds certainly aren't on what they are doing at the time. Oh and if you think I am joking about the U turn comment, I would see it at least twice a week. The mornings are by far and away the worst. Hit 'em hard, hit 'em high and hit 'em often. Those infringing will either learn quickly or loose their licenses. If it means protecting our kids then no mercy. Being able to drive on our roads is a privilage, not a right!




Puts soapbox away

[xelasnave]

It is interesting that parliament having a fair share of lawyers sees that a new law is needed to stop something when invariably there are plenty of laws available at that point to deal with the problem.
However with that off my chest I support the effort to at least address the issue.
It is unfortunate that folk are given a licence in the first place that show the irresponsibility that requires penalties.
Driving cars should be seen as much the same as gun handling... the consequences are not far removed if the licence holder is irresponsible and lets ego or pressure of time have them thinking they are above the law and duty of care to other citizens...
However as observed it is one thing to implement laws it is another to ensure funding to make them effective.
More police and less waste on desalinators and misuse of funds on Government "advertizing" I suppose is an unreasonable suggestion.
alex