Gold Coast Police warn of road safety focus around schools as students return from holidays
Motorists have been warned there will be a heavy police presence on Gold Coast roads when school resumes, with tough new penalties about to come into force.
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POLICE have been ramping up patrols across the Gold Coast and will focus on schools as students return to class on Tuesday.
Queensland Police officers have already increased their presence on the city’s roads, coinciding with festivities over the Australia Day long weekend.
Motorists have also been warned much tougher penalties for using their mobile phone illegally while driving will be enforced from Saturday, February 1.
The penalties will increase from a $400 fine and three demerit points to a $1000 fine and four demerit points.
Minister for Police Mark Ryan joined Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler and Assistant Commissioner Michael Keating on the roadside next to Nerang State High School on Monday.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon also attended.
The trio urged drivers to take care as a random breath testing point operated in the background on Wheedons Rd.
“Well, our police are ready so you had better be ready too,” Mr Ryan said.
“School’s back and over the next few days you’ll see more police out and about around our schools, reminding us of the safety messages which we all need to take very seriously around schools.”
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He warned of “unpredictable” students who “may run out in carparks” and “across roads”.
“There will be a lot of kids, there will be a lot of activity around schools. Please be patient and please be aware of your surroundings,” Mr Ryan said.
Assistant Commissioner Keating warned drivers to be conscious of school zone speed limits and to obey all signage.
“Please be mindful of where you are, be attentive to what you’re doing,” he said.
“The most important thing in a school drop-off zone is patience.
“Every school zone is a potential hot zone over the next three to four days.”
Assistant Commissioner Keating said police were generally “very satisfied” with behaviour on the roads over Australia Day, but he was not able to provide Gold Coast-based figures.
The state road toll for 2020 was 11 as of Monday, one less fatality than the same time last year.
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