Parkes Shire Council's Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the project has two major focuses.

"The two biggest issues we face around the local Parkes primary schools is the non-compliance of drivers to the 40km/h school speed zones and confusion about the rules governing the use of children's crossings,’ she said.

“This project has been developed to address both of these issues.

"Over the coming weeks radio advertisements voiced by local primary school students will be aired on 2PK/ROK-FM reminding drivers about the 40km/h school speed zones and asking them to slow down.

“Additional radio commercials will explain what the rules are for children's crossings and what drivers must do when they see them.

"Colour advertisements placed in the Parkes Champion Post will send the same messages to local drivers.

"Courtesy speed monitors will be used in local school zones in the coming weeks, reminding drivers to check their speed and slow down if possible.

“Information sheets that explain what children's crossings are and how to use them will be sent home to all parents. And a period of Police enforcement will ensure that the message is getting through," Ms Suitor said.

The 40km/h school speed zones operate outside most schools in NSW from 8:00am – 9:30am and 2:30 – 4:00pm on school days.

One exception is the school zone in Bushman Street outside Parkes Public School.

As Parkes Public School is split over two town blocks their 40km/h school speed zone in Bushman Street is operational from 8am - 4pm on school days.

Children's crossings are usually part-time crossings which operate just before and just after school with the exception of Parkes Public School which is operational all day.

Outside of these times the area is not a pedestrian crossing.

During school zone times orange flags displaying the words CHILDREN CROSSING are used.

Drivers approaching a children’s crossing must slow down and stop before the stop line when a pedestrian is on the crossing or waiting to cross - and remain stopped until all pedestrians are safely across the road.

"We can all do our bit when driving to keep Parkes’ kids safe by slowing down in school zones during school zone times " Ms Suitor said.

For further information please contact Melanie Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.