The first day of the school term caught many drivers by surprise, and they've been caught as well, with 182 fines issued for speeding in school zones in the ACT on Monday.
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The highest number of fines were issued at Narrabundah College, where 29 infringements were recorded. Canberra Grammar School, Gold Creek High School and Canberra College also recorded high numbers of infringements according to Justice and Community Safety Directorate statistics.
There were 18 mobile speed vans in different school zones on Monday, with the highest speed detected 70 kilometres an hour outside Canberra College. Other drivers were clocked in the high fifties and sixties, with the second fastest speed of 66 km/h at Gilmore College.
The school zone speed limit of 40km/hr between 8am and 4pm commenced on Monday, with drivers looking at penalties between a $279 fine and one demerit point and a $2136 and six demerit points.
Fines recorded by mobile speed vans are different to those issued by ACT Police, meaning the actual number of fines issued for speeding in school zones could be higher.
ACT Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury implored Canberrans to take better care on the road. "We cannot be a city that speeds, and also expects our kids to be safe on our roads," he said.
"Every time you speed you increase the risk of death and injury to yourself and to others," Mr Rattenbury said.
"Our message to Canberrans is simple – please don't speed, instead, think of the consequences."
Last week ACT Police and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate launched a joint campaign for the month of February focusing on speeding.
An earlier version of this article referred to Shane Rattenbury as the Police Minister. He is the Road Safety Minister.
