Parents and carers dropping children to school next week have been warned speed vans and licence plate recognition will be on patrol to catch unsafe driving in school zones.
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More than 9900 people were caught speeding in 40 km/h school zones in 2020, up from 7543 in 2019.
Police issued 330 speeding tickets to people caught in school zones last year.
ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne said the most common infringements around schools in 2019 and 2020 were issued to people parking in no stopping areas, on the nature strip or footpath and in bus zones.
"It's illegal to double park or park across pedestrian crossings, corners, driveways or nature strips because this blocks children's and drivers' ability to see the road clearly," Ms Cheyne said.
"Where possible, consider parking a short distance away from the school and walking the rest of the way to school with your child. This is a simple way of reducing congestion, staying active, and increasing safety around schools."
Ms Cheyne recommended parents find a meeting spot near the school to designate as a pick-up spot for the end of the day. "That way if you're late, your kids know where to wait and you don't need to rush," she said.
Parking on a footpath or across a driveway will cost $123, while parking on or near a children's crossing costs $415. Parking in a disabled parking space without a permit is the most expensive fine, costing $615.
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Jasper Lindell
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
