Schools returning, drivers warned

With thousands of children heading back to school for the start of a new year, Rotorua council is urging motorists to be careful.

Rotorua District Council road safety co-ordinator Jodie Lawson is reminding drivers to take extra care with speed and parking around schools, or face being fined.

She said the council enforces fines for parking offences such as parking on the footpath, in or within 6m of a bus stop, on a broken yellow line and within 6m of a pedestrian crossing.

Fines range from $40 to $60 per infringement.

Ms Lawson said driver behaviour could either protect or endanger children when they arrived at school and leave each afternoon.

"Drivers and children need good visibility around schools to be able to see each other.

"Kids can appear out of nowhere and with the school year recommencing around now it's timely to remind drivers to travel at safe speeds and park safely, so our children's safety isn't compromised."

She said parking restrictions were in place near schools for a reason.

The legal speed limit to pass a stationary school bus is 20km/h, in both directions.

"Hopefully, by being more aware we can reduce some of the traffic chaos and improve safety for students travelling to and from school each day."