As the festive season approaches and schools close for the summer holidays, drivers are reminded to stay vigilant on the roads.

For example, despite students breaking for the holidays last Friday, December 15, in New South Wales (NSW), school speed zones will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 19. This is due to teachers and some students returning to school grounds on Monday and Tuesday.

School speed zones are vital in safeguarding the community, particularly keeping children safe on their way to and from school. However, the timing of these zones can sometimes be confusing for motorists, especially during holiday periods.

In New South Wales, school zone speed limits are typically 40km/h and are in effect on gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even if students are not necessarily in attendance.

School speed zones in New South Wales will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 19. Credit: Google Maps

This includes pupil-free days when teachers are at school for professional development or planning, hence the extension of the school speed zones into the first two days of the holiday break.

Failure to adhere to the speed limits could result in hefty fines and the loss of demerit points.

For instance, those caught driving just 60km/h in a school zone could face a fine of $369 and lose 5 demerit points.

If you're caught driving faster, the fine almost doubles to $615, and you could lose 5 demerit points. The largest fine stands at a whopping $2,676, along with a loss of 7 demerit points for driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit.

‘The NSW government has ensured that every school in NSW has at least one set of school zone flashing lights,’ the Transport for NSW stated.

So, as we head into the festive season, let's remember to keep our roads safe for everyone. Here’s a guide on the school zone speed limit for each state:

​

The Economic Impact of School Zone Fines​

While the primary focus of school zone speed limits is the safety of children, there is also an economic aspect to consider. Fines collected from speeding violations can be substantial, and they often contribute to state revenue, which can be reinvested into road safety programs, infrastructure, and education.

However, the economic impact extends beyond government coffers.

For individuals, fines can represent a significant financial burden, particularly for pensioners or those on a fixed income. The loss of demerit points can also lead to increased insurance premiums or even the loss of a driver's license, which can have a ripple effect on a person's ability to work and maintain their livelihood.

It's important for drivers, especially those on a tight budget, to be extra cautious and adhere to speed limits. Not only does this ensure road safety, but it also avoids the financial strain that can come from speeding fines.

As a community, understanding the full impact of these fines can encourage a more responsible driving culture, benefiting everyone involved.

Keep an eye on the speedometer, especially in school zones, and ensure we all have a happy and safe holiday season.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers are warned to remain cautious and adhere to school speed zones in NSW despite the summer holiday for students.
• School speed zones are still being enforced because teachers and some students are returning on Monday and Tuesday.
• Motorists caught exceeding school speed zone limits could face significant fines and demerit points.
• The specific consequences for speeding in a school zone range from a $369 fine and 5 demerit points, up to a $2,676 fine and 7 demerit points for the most serious offences.

What are your thoughts on the extension of school speed zones into the holiday period, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Jancgr]

As the festive season approaches and schools close for the summer holidays, drivers are reminded to stay vigilant on the roads.

For example, despite students breaking for the holidays last Friday, December 15, in New South Wales (NSW), school speed zones will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 19. This is due to teachers and some students returning to school grounds on Monday and Tuesday.

School speed zones are vital in safeguarding the community, particularly keeping children safe on their way to and from school. However, the timing of these zones can sometimes be confusing for motorists, especially during holiday periods.

In New South Wales, school zone speed limits are typically 40km/h and are in effect on gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even if students are not necessarily in attendance.

View attachment 37758

School speed zones in New South Wales will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 19. Credit: Google Maps

This includes pupil-free days when teachers are at school for professional development or planning, hence the extension of the school speed zones into the first two days of the holiday break.

Failure to adhere to the speed limits could result in hefty fines and the loss of demerit points.

For instance, those caught driving just 60km/h in a school zone could face a fine of $369 and lose 5 demerit points.

If you're caught driving faster, the fine almost doubles to $615, and you could lose 5 demerit points. The largest fine stands at a whopping $2,676, along with a loss of 7 demerit points for driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit.

‘The NSW government has ensured that every school in NSW has at least one set of school zone flashing lights,’ the Transport for NSW stated.

So, as we head into the festive season, let's remember to keep our roads safe for everyone. Here’s a guide on the school zone speed limit for each state:

View attachment 37780​

The Economic Impact of School Zone Fines​

While the primary focus of school zone speed limits is the safety of children, there is also an economic aspect to consider. Fines collected from speeding violations can be substantial, and they often contribute to state revenue, which can be reinvested into road safety programs, infrastructure, and education.

However, the economic impact extends beyond government coffers.

For individuals, fines can represent a significant financial burden, particularly for pensioners or those on a fixed income. The loss of demerit points can also lead to increased insurance premiums or even the loss of a driver's license, which can have a ripple effect on a person's ability to work and maintain their livelihood.

It's important for drivers, especially those on a tight budget, to be extra cautious and adhere to speed limits. Not only does this ensure road safety, but it also avoids the financial strain that can come from speeding fines.

As a community, understanding the full impact of these fines can encourage a more responsible driving culture, benefiting everyone involved.

Keep an eye on the speedometer, especially in school zones, and ensure we all have a happy and safe holiday season.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers are warned to remain cautious and adhere to school speed zones in NSW despite the summer holiday for students.
• School speed zones are still being enforced because teachers and some students are returning on Monday and Tuesday.
• Motorists caught exceeding school speed zone limits could face significant fines and demerit points.
• The specific consequences for speeding in a school zone range from a $369 fine and 5 demerit points, up to a $2,676 fine and 7 demerit points for the most serious offences.

What are your thoughts on the extension of school speed zones into the holiday period, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Jancgr]

My cynicism would condemn this as merely a revenue raising ploy.

 

[Annna]

The reduced speed is to protect students who don't always look before crossing.

Adult teachers and other school staff are expected to know how to cross streets.

Maintaining the speed reduction on PUPIL FREE DAYS when students are not on school grounds (and not arriving or leaving) is ridiculous.

A majority of drivers would be aware of the date of the last school day. That should be the last date that reduced speed is enforced because that's the last day that students are required at schools.

The last day for Term 4 in NSW was 15/12, expecting most motorists to know that they must drive 40kph over the next 4 days on 16 through to 19/12 is just an excuse to collect money.

 

[Jo Piper3]

Thanks, I wondered why a school zone speed warning was displayed yesterday but stuck to the under 40km speed anyway.

 

[Trouper21]

The reduced speed is to protect students who don't always look before crossing.

Adult teachers and other school staff are expected to know how to cross streets.

Maintaining the speed reduction on PUPIL FREE DAYS when students are not on school grounds (and not arriving or leaving) is ridiculous.

A majority of drivers would be aware of the date of the last school day. That should be the last date that reduced speed is enforced because that's the last day that students are required at schools.

The last day for Term 4 in NSW was 15/12, expecting most motorists to know that they must drive 40kph over the next 4 days on 16 through to 19/12 is just an excuse to collect money.

Totally agree, the ACT and SA need to get on board with the other states and have a 40kph at start and finish and not all day or at a snails pace!

 

[MHM]

As the festive season approaches and schools close for the summer holidays, drivers are reminded to stay vigilant on the roads.

For example, despite students breaking for the holidays last Friday, December 15, in New South Wales (NSW), school speed zones will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 19. This is due to teachers and some students returning to school grounds on Monday and Tuesday.

School speed zones are vital in safeguarding the community, particularly keeping children safe on their way to and from school. However, the timing of these zones can sometimes be confusing for motorists, especially during holiday periods.

In New South Wales, school zone speed limits are typically 40km/h and are in effect on gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even if students are not necessarily in attendance.

View attachment 37758

School speed zones in New South Wales will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 19. Credit: Google Maps

This includes pupil-free days when teachers are at school for professional development or planning, hence the extension of the school speed zones into the first two days of the holiday break.

Failure to adhere to the speed limits could result in hefty fines and the loss of demerit points.

For instance, those caught driving just 60km/h in a school zone could face a fine of $369 and lose 5 demerit points.

If you're caught driving faster, the fine almost doubles to $615, and you could lose 5 demerit points. The largest fine stands at a whopping $2,676, along with a loss of 7 demerit points for driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit.

‘The NSW government has ensured that every school in NSW has at least one set of school zone flashing lights,’ the Transport for NSW stated.

So, as we head into the festive season, let's remember to keep our roads safe for everyone. Here’s a guide on the school zone speed limit for each state:

View attachment 37780​

The Economic Impact of School Zone Fines​

While the primary focus of school zone speed limits is the safety of children, there is also an economic aspect to consider. Fines collected from speeding violations can be substantial, and they often contribute to state revenue, which can be reinvested into road safety programs, infrastructure, and education.

However, the economic impact extends beyond government coffers.

For individuals, fines can represent a significant financial burden, particularly for pensioners or those on a fixed income. The loss of demerit points can also lead to increased insurance premiums or even the loss of a driver's license, which can have a ripple effect on a person's ability to work and maintain their livelihood.

It's important for drivers, especially those on a tight budget, to be extra cautious and adhere to speed limits. Not only does this ensure road safety, but it also avoids the financial strain that can come from speeding fines.

As a community, understanding the full impact of these fines can encourage a more responsible driving culture, benefiting everyone involved.

Keep an eye on the speedometer, especially in school zones, and ensure we all have a happy and safe holiday season.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers are warned to remain cautious and adhere to school speed zones in NSW despite the summer holiday for students.
• School speed zones are still being enforced because teachers and some students are returning on Monday and Tuesday.
• Motorists caught exceeding school speed zone limits could face significant fines and demerit points.
• The specific consequences for speeding in a school zone range from a $369 fine and 5 demerit points, up to a $2,676 fine and 7 demerit points for the most serious offences.

What are your thoughts on the extension of school speed zones into the holiday period, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The idea of school "speed zones" was misconceived in the first place. Had the government of the day considered the economic and environmental impact of "stop-start" motoring, whether on arterial roads or back streets, it might have invested some of its tax (and other revenue) holdings on safety structures, such as perimeter fencing, for all schools. Now we are stuck with this "stop-start" system, which appears to be (more than) paying for itself by constant imposition of fines. OK, so it does provide some measure of security for young age school children who may not have sufficient training in road safety to look after their own interests, but teachers attending their workplaces for pupil free days, come off the grass!!

 

[David567]

the signs clearly state SCHOOL DAYS. If school is finished it's not a school day is it and and wanker Judge that inforces a fine out of school hours is corrupt. Teachers are often on school grounds before and after school hours. Does this mean we have to slow down for them too even if the sign says otherwise. If you obey the signs they can't charge you regardless.

 

[Annna]

the signs clearly state SCHOOL DAYS. If school is finished it's not a school day is it and and wanker Judge that inforces a fine out of school hours is corrupt. Teachers are often on school grounds before and after school hours. Does this mean we have to slow down for them too even if the sign says otherwise. If you obey the signs they can't charge you regardless.

Some ticket happy/non-thinking officer would issue the fine and you'd be required to argue that before a Magistrate.

If you succeed, consider the wasted money:

1. Salary of ticket issuer for time spent issuing a now redundant fine (the above-mentioned ticket happy chap);

2. Potential loss to you (income), for time spent in court/away from work (going to court would take up the better part of 1/2 a day);

3. Court costs (Registry (administration cost)/Magistrate/Court Room staff on the day (the time dedicated to your matter adds up to substantial dollars).

 

[Jarred Santos]

Some ticket happy/non-thinking officer would issue the fine and you'd be required to argue that before a Magistrate.

If you succeed, consider the wasted money:

1. Salary of ticket issuer for time spent issuing a now redundant fine (the above-mentioned ticket happy chap);

2. Potential loss to you (income), for time spent in court/away from work (going to court would take up the better part of 1/2 a day);

3. Court costs (Registry (administration cost)/Magistrate/Court Room staff on the day (the time dedicated to your matter adds up to substantial dollars).

Well said, @Annna!

 

[Veggiepatch]

The brains trust of the Nowra Police on the NSW decided to set up a radar on the Tuesday after the Queen's Birthday weekend about 18 years ago as all three of my three children attended the Nowra Anglican College on the Princes Highway at North Nowra. The only trouble was the College and the nearby Bomaderry High School had a pupil free day on the Tuesday, rendering the school zone enforcement null and void.

Didn't stop them issuing over $100000 in fines before it was made evident that the Police were operating illegally. So all fines were waived and the Police wages added up to a substantial cost to the taxpayer.

 

[Vauxart]

Officially NSW school holidays Strat 20th December https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/school-holidays