Hazard Lights a Road Rule Reminder

Drivers are being reminded to watch their speed around school buses as children go back to school over the next two weeks.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Police and local school bus operators want drivers to be more aware of the road rules relating to passing school buses that have stopped to pick up or drop off children.

QLDC transport manager Denis Mander said drivers need to be aware they have to slow down to 20 km/h in those situations.

“It’s about keeping our children safe. Drivers need to remember the rule and slow down.”
As part of the awareness campaign, the bus drivers are adopting a practice used in some other districts of turning on their hazard lights when stopped, to highlight the need for drivers to know when the 20km/h rule applies and to slow right down.

“Hopefully this will further remind people to slow down to 20 km/h as they pass the bus,” Mr Mander said.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said this approach is backed by the police who will be keeping a close eye on driver behaviour during the initial weeks of the school year.

“We support any safety initiative that will assist our young people get to and from school safely,” he said.

“We have had ongoing issues with motorists ignoring the 20 km/h speed limit when passing school buses and over the start of the school year we will be involved in enforcement action targeting anyone ignoring this important safety rule.”