School zone speed cameras catch 30,000 drivers in shocking enforcement blitz—and the $246 fines are back

As millions of NSW students prepare to return to classrooms this Tuesday for Term 4, sobering new figures reveal the extent of speeding problems around schools—with almost 30,000 fines issued across just five camera locations in recent months.

From today, school zone speed limits are reinstated across New South Wales, even before most students return, following a two-week spring break during which school zones were not operating.

The eye-watering enforcement statistics, released as school zone speed limits return to force today, paint a troubling picture of driver behaviour near schools.

Authorities are urging motorists to slow down and remain vigilant as the new school term begins, reminding drivers that 40 km/h zones are active between 8:00-9:30 a.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m. on school days.

At one notorious hotspot on Woodville Road in Chester Hill, more than 8,600 fines were issued, with one reckless driver even caught doing 110km/h during school zone hours.

The penalty pain: What speeding will cost you

With school zones now active again between 8am-9.30am and 2.30-4pm on school days, drivers face significant financial consequences for exceeding the 40km/h limit. Any speeding offence committed in a school zone carries increased fines and demerit points, making these areas particularly costly for lead-footed motorists.

The NSW government has handed down $34 million worth of fines for various traffic offences in just the past six months, with school zone speeding contributing significantly to this total.

For drivers with a full licence, the penalties are steep:

• Exceeding the limit by 10km/h or less: $246 fine and 4 demerit points
• Heavy vehicle drivers face maximum fines up to $4,643 and 7 demerit points for exceeding by 45km/h
• Learners and P1 licence holders will have their licence suspended or refused for at least 3 months for any speeding offence

The enforcement hot spots you need to know

The five school zone cameras that accumulated 27,000 fines are located on Woodville Road in Chester Hill (7,813 fines), Princes Highway in Kogarah (5,642), Victoria Road in Ryde (5,173), Lane Cove Road in North Ryde (4,366) and The Boulevarde in Strathfield (3,933 fines).

These numbers represent just a fraction of NSW's extensive school zone network, which includes over 6,800 school zone alert systems with flashing lights designed to warn drivers they're entering a reduced speed area.

'There are more than 6,800 school zone flashing lights in place across NSW to let motorists know they are about to enter a school zone,' said Chadi Chalhoub, Transport for NSW Executive Director for Transport Safety.

What parents are really worried about

Recent research reveals the community concern behind these enforcement efforts. An NRMA survey of 550 parents and carers of school-aged children in NSW and the ACT found nearly 60 per cent identified speeding as their top concern, followed by a lack of parking (50 per cent) and parents stopping illegally to drop off or pick up their kids (42 per cent).

This parent anxiety is driving calls for action, with the NRMA calling for an urgent audit into school zones after almost 30,000 fines were handed out across just five locations.

'When entering a school zone, you can expect vulnerable children to be out and about, so it is important that motorists follow the rules to ensure every child gets to school and returns home safely,' said Chadi Chalhoub, Transport for NSW Executive Director, Transport Safety.

'This includes following the speed limit in school zones, watching out for children when they are crossing, and slowing down and looking out as they get on or off buses,' Mr Chalhoub added.

Beyond speeding: Other costly school zone mistakes

While speeding grabs headlines, it's not the only way to cop a hefty fine near schools. Other school zone penalties include:

• Ignoring No Parking signs: $215 fine and 2 demerit points (you have just 2 minutes to drop off/pick up and must stay within 3 metres of your vehicle)
• Double parking: $410 fine and 2 demerit points
• Parking violations like obstructing access or incorrect parallel parking: $410 fine and 2 demerit points each

Staying safe and fine-free

With enforcement clearly ramping up and technology getting smarter, the message for drivers is clear: slow down, pay attention, and plan extra time for school zone areas.

Police have confirmed officers will maintain a visible presence around primary and secondary schools throughout the first week of term to deter speeding and illegal parking.

Fines and demerit points are significantly higher in school zones, especially during double demerit periods, making compliance not just a safety issue but a financial necessity.

The flashing lights are there for a reason—they're protecting children whose safety depends on every driver doing their part.

Have you noticed increased enforcement in school zones around your area? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any close calls you've witnessed during school drop-off and pick-up times.