The Minns Labor Government has issued a call for drivers to reduce their speed and prioritise safety as school zones across New South Wales return to operation from Monday, 21 July.

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School zones will be active on school days during the designated hours of 8:00am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm. These measures aim to protect students during high-risk periods of the day.

Newly released data shows that more than 183,000 school zone speeding offences were recorded in NSW in the 2023–24 financial year. Of those, over 125,000 occurred during active school zone hours. This translates to an average of more than 340 offences every day where drivers chose to speed near schools.

Since 2019, there have been 106 recorded incidents involving pedestrians aged 5 to 16 struck by vehicles in active school zones. These incidents have resulted in two fatalities and 38 serious injuries.

One camera on Woodville Road in Chester Hill recorded more than 8,600 fines over the financial year, with one motorist caught driving at 110km/h during school zone hours.

Top Five Sydney School Zone Offence Locations (2023–24):

  • Woodville Road, Chester Hill (Southbound) – 8,615 fines
  • Victoria Road, Ryde (Eastbound) – 7,313 fines
  • Princes Highway, Kogarah (Southbound) – 5,866 fines
  • Hume Highway, Yagoona (Westbound) – 5,691 fines
  • Cleveland Street, Moore Park (Westbound) – 5,307 fines
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Top Five Regional NSW Offence Locations (2023–24):

  • Pacific Highway, Gateshead (Southbound) – 3,288 fines
  • Pacific Highway, Ourimbah (Northbound) – 2,970 fines
  • Princes Highway, Wollongong (Northbound) – 1,636 fines
  • Princes Highway, Wollongong (Southbound) – 1,299 fines
  • Pacific Highway, Ourimbah (Southbound) – 929 fines

To improve safety, the NSW Government has implemented the following measures:

  • Over 6,800 school zone flashing lights installed across the state
  • Approximately 1,500 school crossing supervisors supporting more than 980 schools
  • A new smart signage trial launched near Newcastle
  • Commitment to ensure all school zones are equipped with at least one set of flashing lights

These initiatives form part of the broader road safety agenda aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities, particularly in areas frequented by children.

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