The Keep Parkes Kids Safe, safety around schools, campaign is in it's second week.
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This week the focus is on what the most commonly misunderstood parking signs around schools mean.
Parkes Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said parking rules around schools are there to help keep children safe.
“Parking rules around schools protect sight distances, provide safe pick up and drop off opportunities and minimise confusion where children are crossing roads,” Ms Suitor said.
“The most common parking signs in school zones are 'No Stopping' and 'No Parking' signs.
“We have all seen them, but what do they really mean?
“They are different and they apply to different situations.
“A 'No Stopping' sign means that the driver of a vehicle must not stop at any time on a length of road or in an area to which the 'No Stopping' sign applies - not for a minute, not for a second, not for a jiffy.
“'No Stopping' signs are installed in areas where clear sight is required for safety reasons, such as on the approach or departure to crossings or at intersections,” Ms Suitor stressed.
“Line of sight around schools is critical to both motorists and pedestrians alike.
“When vehicles obstruct that line of sight, tragedies occur, particularly with small children who are so difficult to see,” Ms Suitor said.
The penalty for stopping in a 'No Stopping' zone in a school zone is $304 and two demerit points.
“A 'No Parking' sign means that you can only stop on a length of road or in an area to which the 'No Parking' sign applies to drop off or pick up passengers.
“Around schools these are commonly called ‘kiss and drop zones’.
“You can’t stay in the zone longer than two minutes and the driver has to be within three metres of the vehicle at all times.
“Around Parkes' schools these zones are timed in the morning (same as the 40km/h school speed zone times) from 8am to 9.30am for the peak drop off time.
“Of an afternoon the zone reverts to parallel parking,” Ms Suitor said.
“If motorists use the 'No Parking' zones correctly it will improve traffic flow, relieve congestion and create a safer environment for local residents, especially children who are most at risk.”
The penalty for not using a 'No Parking zone correctly in a school zone is $169 and two demerit points.
The Keep Parkes Kids Safe project has three focuses:
* the non-compliance of drivers to the 40km/h school speed zones;
* confusion about the rules governing parking signs; and
* drivers illegally stopping in the 'No Stopping' zones provided for children's crossings.
The campaign includes radio advertisements voiced by local primary school students, newspaper advertisements, regular media coverage, school newsletter inserts and enforcement.
For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.
