Drivers warned over school zones ‘speed fine trap’ ahead of 2025 school year

Motorists are being urged to be wary of a “major speed trap” that saw thousands of speeding fines issued in two days.

Motorists are being warned against falling into a “major speed trap” that saw thousands of speeding fines issued in just two days last year.

School zone speed limits have already taken effect across NSW, with several pupil-free days slated before the school year officially begins on Thursday, February 6.

These pupil-free days have historically caught out scores of drivers travelling through school zones, according to the NRMA.

Their data shows 2184 speeding fines were issued in the two days before term began in 2024, equalling an average of 1092 fines per day – nearly double the February average.

Motorists are being warned against falling into a speed fines trap ahead of the 2025 school year. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Gaye Gerard.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said while children may not be back in school, the speed limits in school zones still applied and would be enforced.

“It is frustrating for drivers who are normally careful around school zones to be caught out during pupil-free days, because they may not realise the speed limits are still in effect,” he said.

“We don’t want people to inadvertently break the law and get fined.”

Mr Khoury said most drivers were committed to following the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones, but confusion and complacency could occur while children were still at home.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury says more than 2000 speeding issues were fined in the two days before school started in 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones, and school zone speed limits have broad public support,” he said.

“But it’s crucial to remain alert, even when the kids aren’t at school.”

The number of pupil-free days rose this year from six to eight, compared to 2024.

This total includes the four leading up to the beginning of Term 1, between January 31 and February 5.

Mr Khoury stressed the need for drivers to adjust to school zones being in operation again after the lengthy Christmas break.

“There is clearly a case for more education in the lead-up to the start of the 2025 school year, particularly as pupil-free days see almost double the number of speeding fines in school zones compared to when children return to class,” he said.

“After almost two months of school holidays, the day to change driver behaviour is … when school zones are enforced, and not next Thursday when students return, otherwise (these) four days could see another huge spike in drivers fined for speeding.”

Originally published as Drivers warned over school zones ‘speed fine trap’ ahead of 2025 school year