504 drivers caught speeding in WBOP school zones

More than 500 drivers were caught speeding around Western Bay of Plenty schools between 11 and 15 October in a police operation targeting speed around schools, kindergartens and play centres.

The operation resulted in 464 speed camera and 40 Officer issued speeding infringements.

The highest speed recorded in a 40km/h school zone was 60km/h and 72 in a 50 km/h School zone.

It will take an alert driver 45meters at 60km/h and 57 meters at 72km/h to stop from these speeds and leaves little chance for a child to survive if struck by a vehicle travelling at these speed.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Holmes of the Western Bay of Plenty Road Policing unit said 3434 of the vehicles that were monitored within school zones by the speed camera were at or below the speed limit and Police wanted to thank those drivers for taking extra care. But he says its obvious with 464 speed camera fines being issued there is room for improvement, as there were still far too many vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

Mr Holmes said it is important that all drivers are aware of the potential for disaster around schools, and consequently police will continue to monitor school zones throughout the school term.

In the last five years over 1200 child pedestrians have been killed or injured during school terms. A child struck by a vehicle travelling at 60 km/h has only a 15% chance of survival. When the impact speed is reduced to 50 km/h, the chance of survival increases to 55%.

The key risk times around schools are between 7.30 am - 9am and 2.30pm - 4.00pm week days and whilst statistically, the most at risk group is between the ages of eleven and fifteen, primary school zones around primary schools present significant risk.

Police used static speed cameras, mobile speed detection equipment and plain vehicles during the campaign.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Holmes urges drivers to keep their speed down and take extreme care around schools to ensure children get to and from school safely. Parents delivering and picking up children also need to do their bit by being considerate, ensuring seat belts or child restraints are used correctly and they park legally to reduce risk.

Police also ask drivers set a good example for children.

Speed Camera Infringement statistics:

Location Offences
Bethlehem Primary 24
Green Park School 127
Mount College 313