POLICE are reminding road users to be safe around school zones or risk copping hefty fines.
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The warning comes as school begins at a normal schedule today for the first time since closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While school zones have remained in place as normal despite the restrictions, the number of children in attendance has been greatly reduced.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said with school students back in full attendance from today, all road users need to consider the risks to themselves and young people.
"School zones will become busy from today, with student numbers, vehicles, pedestrians, and buses returning to normal frequency," he said.
"All road users, including pedestrians, need to consider their own behaviour in school zones, pay attention to the flashing signs, comply with requests from school crossing supervisors, and keep everyone safe on our roads."
Drivers have been reminded to park away from school and escort students in, or park in designated areas and make use of 'kiss and drop' zones.
Parents similarly have been urged to hold their school age child's hand, as well as younger siblings, when crossing roads and escorting them into school grounds.
Those disobeying road rules can face fines of more than $500, and risk losing as many as seven demerit points.
The exact penalties for the following offences include:
- Drive on path - $457 / 4 demerit points
- Drive without proper control - $572 4 demerit points
- Drive using mobile phone - $457 / 5 points
- Drive with animal on lap - $572 / 4 points
- Stop in bus zone - $344 / 2 points
- Exceed speed 45kph - $2636 / 7 points