Australian drivers need to pay very close attention to the fact that school zones carry a fine of $4567 for an infraction we are told is very common. There are people, it seems, who still don’t understand that children are arriving at and departing from school and feel that they need to drive at whatever speed they please.
The Offence in Focus
The fine applies to disgraceful drivers who are seen in and around school zones. Even the most minor of infractions will incur a fine that can exceed hundreds of dollars, all because there are no concessions for speed in these zones. For example, setting the speed limit at a tiny bit more than the speed limit can fine you more than $400. Other speed limits can even rise to thousands of dollars because the law is a lot more stricker than in, say, a school zone — and age determines how much more you can pay.
Why School Zones Matter
School Zones have been set at 40 km an hour, with the majority of them working from 8 to 9, 30 a.m. and then 2, 30 to 4 p.m. on a school day. The reasoning behind the extra care in zones is that children are more likely than any other age group to drive slow, and that drivers need to exercise restraint, because they will haulows in an incident.
Recent Crackdowns Across States
State police across the country have been sitting and watching, their operations starting at the very first day of school. Unmarked police cars and mobile speed traps are located at the entrances of schools. Within the last month in New South Wales alone, hundreds of fines have been issued to drivers. Along with these fines, authorities in Victoria and Queensland have also increased patrols where reports of repeat offenders have been issued regarding ignored flashing school zones.
Driver Impact
Motorists and drivers face consequences that extend well beyond the financial impact of a penalty. License demerit point accumulation is a real risk and in turn, the ability to work and provide for yourself and your family can also be impacted. Not to mention the staggering amount of insurance that a driver would have to pay along with the fines as well.
Community Reaction
Groups of parents and organizations revolving around road safety have enforced support regarding the enforcement, emphasizing how children centers have to be well protected, even if it means inconveniencing drivers. Other drivers have expressed a frustrating point, explaining how the road signs can be extremely easy to overlook, especially in busy traffic. In regards to these issues, authorities stick to the fact that school zone signs are overt and are typically accompanied with flashing signals to reinforce the warning.
Road Safety Enforcement
Departments of transport are strongly advising drivers to keep their speed under the limit and to calm down regarding the school zones as much as their time near the zone. and risk-taking. It is beautifully straightforward: comply with school zones or face the heavy fines.