Geelong police target speeding drivers as kids go back to school

As kids head back to the classroom police will be ramping up patrols around school zones, where Geelong drivers are increasingly ignoring people crossing.

Geelong Highway Patrol Sergeant Damon Patralakis, left, and acting Sergeant Jamie Davidson patrolling 40km/h school zones. Picture: Alison Wynd

As children return to the classroom this week, police are warning drivers to slow down and take extra care around school zones.

It comes as reports of drivers motoring through local school crossings quadrupled in recent years.

There were 48 pedestrians killed in Victoria last year, including three children aged 12 and under.

State Highway Patrol Inspector Nicole Yin said children were among our most vulnerable road users and urged motorists to take care and obey signs.

“They’re less developed physically, cognitively and have less experience around traffic,” she said.

“It’s up to all of us to ensure kids are protected.”

Some 40km/h school zones are permanent and enforced 24/7 while others operate within class times.

Drivers exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h face a $247 fine and one demerit point.

The penalty for failing to stop at a school crossing is $494 and three demerit points.

Geelong police ramp up patrols around school zones as kids head back to the classroom. Picture: Eyewatch – Geelong Police Service Area via Facebook

There were only 20 reported drive-throughs at pedestrian crossings in Greater Geelong in 2021-2022.

But in 2023-24, the figure jumped to 196.

A drive-through is when a motorist goes through the crossing when the supervisor has their stop sign out, is on the crossing or there are other people on the crossing.

Geelong council said the increase could be due to supervisors being more aware of the importance of reporting the incidents.

Inspector Yin also urged motorists to also respect school crossing supervisors who “work tirelessly to keep our kids safe”.

“Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely,” she said.

Inspector Yin said it was important for parents and carers to talk about road safety with children and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road.

Authorities are also reminding parents that the use of e-scooters is illegal for children under 16.

RACV general manager Julia Hunter said school zones were crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind.

“Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed and distance,” she said.

Ms Hunter encouraged parents and carers to plan ahead and consider, where possible, to park further away from schools.

“Congestion increases the likelihood of collisions,” she said.

“Consider walking or riding with your children to school while demonstrating safe behaviours. “This includes using children’s crossings or zebra crossings, meeting children on the same side of the road and being bicycle safe.”

Originally published as Geelong police target speeding drivers as kids go back to school