Park safe, stay safe as school starts for 2023

Published on 27 January 2023

Forty kilometre per hour school zones return this Friday and Lake Macquarie City Council is urging drivers to slow down and ‘park safe, stay safe’ at student drop off and pick up times this year.

To ensure the safety of all students, especially younger children, Council will be monitoring parking compliance around schools.

Council’s Manager Environmental Regulation and Compliance Derek Poulton said it was a good time for motorists – parents or otherwise – to brush up on parking signage and road rules around schools.

“It’s important for people to understand where they can and can’t park to keep traffic flowing and children safe outside of the school gate,” he said.

“No stopping areas are designed to provide drivers with clear views when scanning for potential hazards, which keeps children and pedestrians away from harm.

“Many schools experience significantly higher traffic volumes during pick up and drop off times so slowing down and scanning the roads, especially around children, is key to keeping our community safe.”

Signs and road rules to be aware of when term one begins on Friday include:

'No Stopping’ zones – You must not stop your vehicle at any point on the road or kerb, unless in an emergency.

'No Parking’ zones – You must not park on a road or areas where there is a ‘No parking’ sign. You may stop in a No Parking zone for a maximum of two minutes and stay within three metres of your car, but only to pick up or set down your child and drive off as soon as possible.

‘Bus Zone’ – This area is for buses only. You are not allowed to stop your vehicle in this area.

‘Mobility Parking’ – Only vehicles transporting a current Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit holder can park in areas displaying a mobility parking sign. The MPS permit must be displayed in the parked vehicle. MPS permit holders must comply with the conditions of use of the MPS permit.

Pedestrian and children’s crossings – When approaching a pedestrian crossing, you should drive at a speed that allows you to slow down and stop before the crossing.