Slow it down for schools

Police are urging drivers to slow down in school zones as students return to school this week.
Noosa Heads officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight patrolled school zones on Monday morning as hundreds of students returned to school or started their first day.
Within just 20 minutes, Sen Sgt McReight caught two people speeding, with one driver doing 13km over the 40km speed limit in a school zone at 7.46am.
“Drivers need to slow down and remember to drive 40km/h in the school zones,” he said. “The zones are clearly marked with flashing lights and road markings.”
Sen Sgt McReight said police would continue traffic operations at all schools in the Noosa Shire throughout the week and the scholastic year.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said police wanted to ensure all motorists were prioritising the safety of children as they travelled to and from school whether they were on foot, riding on a bike, in a car or using public transport.
“I encourage everyone to be patient in and around schools zones, pay attention to the changed speed zones and allow extra travel time on journeys which incorporate these areas where there will be extra traffic,” he said.
“I’d also urge parents and carers to speak to their children about basic road safety such as when and where to cross the road and always wearing a helmet when riding a bike.”
Last year, 27,634 speeding infringements were issued in school zones compared to 24,707 speeding tickets in 2015.
The standard times that most school zones apply in Queensland are 7-9am and 2-4pm and the most common school zone speed limit is 40km/h.