Increased Police presence across Wellington District as students head back to school next week

Police across the Wellington District will have an increased presence in and around schools next week as thousands of students head back to school to begin Term One.

Wellington District Road Policing Manager Inspector Pete Baird says potentially there'll be a lot of new students starting school for the first time, or starting at a new school or intermediate, where they will be unfamiliar with the intensity of traffic outside the school grounds.

Inspector Baird says irrespective of the risk of getting a ticket for parking on yellow lines outside schools, drivers may not realise the importance of the yellow lines, which allow students and school patrols to have a clear line of sight when crossing.

"All motorists should be prepared for some congestion in and around schools next week as they head to work. We ask for patience and common sense."

Pete Baird says, "We really want parents, caregivers and other road users to adhere to a 4 kilometre an hour lower speed tolerance near schools to ensure all children and young people can head back to school safely."

"It's also really important that parents talk to their children about road safety and getting to school safely, if they plan on cycling, skating or scootering to school."

The New Zealand Transport Agency has an informative website with useful tips for parents and students:
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/students-parents/safety-tips.html