'Putting kids in danger': Drivers rage over most-ignored road rule
A road rules question about the afternoon school pick-up has caused fury with drivers complaining it often causes them headaches.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads posed a question to readers on Facebook on Monday.
The department posted a picture of three cars pulled over in a zone with two no-stopping zone signs pictured marked 7-9am and 2-4pm.
“It's 3pm and school has just finished—are these cars allowed to stop here to pick up passengers?” the department wrote.
Readers offered two answers: “No” and “Yes, but they must not stop for longer than 2 minutes”.
A majority of readers got the answer right, which is no.
According to Brisbane City Council, citing Queensland’s Transport Operations legislation, the fine for stopping in a no-stopping zone is $133.
‘Putting their children in danger’
On Facebook, people lamented it is still an ongoing problem.
A woman claiming to be a teacher wrote parents often stop “where it fancies them” including in bus stops.
“Putting their children in danger, but try telling them that,” she wrote.
Another woman wrote that many parents are “entitled” and “allowed to break road rules”.
“They don't give a rat's behind what the restrictions are,” another woman wrote.
“They'll park there as long as they want, whenever they want, and argue with and abuse any council officers who come along to ask them to move.”
One woman complained it happens "every day" on her school run.
What to do when dropping the kids off
Dropping and picking up children from school can be stressful given how roads outside the grounds can become easily congested.
Some schools offer parking on school grounds but these spots can fill up quickly.
There are also some schools which have signage for two-minute parking.
The Queensland Government suggests these two-minute areas be used like a taxi rank and “you must not walk away from your vehicle”.
Drivers also need to move forward as the vehicle in front of them moves on.
It’s also recommended children be taught to look out for other vehicles.
At times schools will also have staff dedicated to helping students in and out of cars too ease the hassle.
If a drop-off zone isn’t available, the government recommends parking nearby and collecting or dropping off kids.
Parents can walk their children into school or organise a meeting spot after class during afternoon pick-up.
Alternatively, parents can also organise a carpool which helps reduce the number of cars on the road too.
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