Police are again reminding motorists that the 40km/h speed limit in school zones remains in force from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm.

This timely reminder follows an incident that occurred about 5.30 yesterday afternoon in the school zone outside Parap Primary School where a 46-year-old man driving through the zone mounted the traffic island and later recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.291 percent.

"If this incident had occurred earlier it could have resulted in a child being struck and injured or even killed, "said Road Safety Superintendent Bob Rennie.

"The speed limit during these hours is to protect late arrivals, early departures and students in after-school care and the safety and welfare of our children should be the number one priority."

Another safety concern for police is school crossings being obscured by traffic and drivers need to keep school crossings clear so children can see on-coming cars and parents should set a good example to little ones by going the extra yards and using pedestrian crossings.

General Duties', Traffic Operations and School Based police officers across the Territory will continue their efforts to get drivers to slow down in these zones and ensure the safety of children.

For those children planning to ride to and from school, Superintendent Rennie said helmets are a necessity and parents are urged to educate their children about road safety.

"Of course, the most important tool in keeping kids safe is setting the right example - wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limit and do the right thing when crossing the road, he said.

There were no deaths in school zones last year and police aim to continue this by enforcing the law.

Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3531