New speed cameras target school zones

31/01/07
Four new speed cameras will target motorists speeding through 40km school zones from this morning as most children start the school year.
Police Minister John Kobelke said the cameras were part of an ongoing and targeted enforcement of school zones during school terms during 2007.
"The statistics for 2006 show many motorists simply don't get the message to slow down in our school zones," he said.
"Over a six day period in the first days of school, 217 locations were covered and 9,174 vehicles were stopped. From these, a staggering 1,547 infringements and 369 cautions were issued to motorists for a variety of traffic offences, many for speeding.
"The average speed recorded in the 40km per hour zones targeted was just over 60km, with the highest recorded speed at 83km per hour."
The Minister said the new cameras and operators were funded under a 'Safety Around Schools' program which results from negotiations between the State Government, WA Police and the Office of Road Safety.
Four new speed camera vehicles and additional operating staff have also been funded under the program, which will see the new cameras placed at eight different locations in the metropolitan area during the gazetted school terms.
Outside gazetted school hours, these extra cameras and operators will be added to the 15 speed cameras already in use by WA Police.
Mr Kobelke reminded motorists that a 40kmh limit applied in school zones from 7.30am to 9am each school morning and from 2.30pm to 4pm each afternoon.
"Motorists have no excuse for speeding around schools - the 40kmh limit is well signposted and applied to both primary and secondary schools," he said.
"Slow down because children's lives are at risk."
Minister's office - 9222 9211