A driver reportedly sped through a school crossing while children were still on the road on Thursday morning, prompting a sharp police warning as students returned to class across the state.
Inspector Vanessa Castle said the driver failed to obey the directions of a school crossing guard during the busy morning drop-off near Howrah Primary School in Hobart.
“… This driver’s actions were incredibly dangerous,” she said.
“School crossing guards are there to protect children and their directions must be obeyed at all times.”
No one was injured.
Police carried out targeted patrols around several southern schools on Thursday – the first day back for many students – and issued 12 speeding infringements.
Four drivers were caught speeding outside Brighton Primary School, all travelling more than 10km/h over the school zone limit.
Two motorists received infringement notices near Brighton High School after being clocked at more than 20km/h over the limit.
Five drivers were pinged for speeding near Lauderdale Primary, while another was caught in the school zone at Glenora.
Inspector Castle said the results were disappointing.
“There is absolutely no excuse for exceeding the speed limit,” she said.
“These limits exist to protect children, who can be unpredictable around roads. Your attention and your speed matter.”
She said most motorists were doing the right thing but urged all drivers to remain alert now that school zones were back in force.
School zones typically operate from 8am to 9:30am and from 2:30pm to 4pm on school days, reducing the speed limit to 40km/h.
