Motorists urged to watch speed around schools

Taupo District Council’s speed trailer will be stationed outside local schools over the coming weeks to remind motorists to keep speeds down in the vicinity of schools.



Road Safety Co-ordinator Christine Hutchison says the promotion is timed to coincide with a police campaign at the start of the school year to remind drivers to slow down to the recommended speed of 40 km/hr when driving past schools.



She says Spa Road in the vicinity of Taupo-Nui-a Tia College is a particular problem area.



“Spa Road is usually busy at all times of the year and the start of the school term just adds to the volume of vehicles and pedestrians in the area making it even more important for drivers to keep speeds down.”



Parents dropping off and picking up children from school are also being urged to choose safety over convenience to avoid any unnecessary accidents.



Senior Sergeant Murray Hamilton says police are taking a zero tolerance approach to motorists caught speeding around schools.

“As part of the campaign we are also looking at those who choose to park illegally and cause congestion, as this poses a risk to the children as well,” he says.