Don't speed back to school: police

School's in and so are restricted speed limits from today when children return to open the academic year.

Speed limits of 40km/h will apply in school zones between the hours of 7.30am and 9.00am and 2.30pm to 4pm each week day.

Geraldton traffic sergeant Paul Matthews said police would have a visible presence in the zones during the first week of term.

“It’s a very important time for us to make sure the roads are safe, so we’ll be out policing in force,” he said.

“We do capture a lot of people speeding in school zones which is surprising because you’d think after a while that some people would learn.”

He urged drivers to take extra care when driving near children walking to and from school.

He said parents should make sure their children were aware of potential dangers when crossing roads.

“Most schools now have school crossing guards, so don’t let your kids walk 40 metres up the road, make sure they go down to the crossing guard and use that service,” he said.

Sgt Matthews warned would-be speeders that cameras and portable laser devices would be used in school zones.

“Speeding is speeding — it’s a 40 km/h zone and that is what people need to adhere to,” he said.

“Give us an excuse to stop you and we will, it’s as simple as that.”