School zones
The beginning and end of a school day are busy times for pedestrians and vehicles.
Children are small, harder to see, behave unpredictably and are extremely vulnerable. They need YOU to take extra care when driving and parking around school zones.
Pedestrian crossing
School crossing supervisors may help students crossing the roads adjacent to or nearby schools.
Children's crossing
Children's crossings are part-time crossings that mainly operate before and after school hours. The area is not a pedestrian crossing outside these times. When in use, red flags display the words CHILDREN CROSSING.
Whether a children's crossing is supervised or not:
- drivers must stop for any pedestrian on or entering the crossing
- drivers must not proceed until all pedestrians have left the roadway
Zebra pedestrian crossing
Zebra pedestrian crossings are full time facilities that provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross.
- drivers must give way to any pedestrian on a marked zebra pedestrian crossing
- drivers may only proceed once the path is clear
Some zebra pedestrian crossings may also operate as a children's crossing during school hours. When children's crossing signage and flags are present, children crossing rules apply.
Pedestrian refuge
Refuge islands aren't pedestrian crossings: they are installed on busy or wide roads to help pedestrians cross in two stages.
Pedestrian refuges provide a safe place to cross, but don't give a pedestrian right of way:
- drivers aren't required to stop or give way to a pedestrian using a pedestrian refuge, unless it's used with a zebra pedestrian crossing.
Parking
Parking signs are planned with your child's safety in mind.
It's helpful for everyone if you park safely, even if you have to walk further to the school gate. This is a good time to model positive road safety behaviour and physical activity for your child.
You should always:
- park legally
- avoid dangerous manoeuvers such as U-turns and three-point turns
- give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering or exiting driveways
- ensure your child uses the rear, kerb side door to enter and exit the car
Kiss & drop zones
Kiss & drop zones are no parking areas designed to drop-off or pick-up passengers within a two minute time frame.
They're often located on the school side of the road to improve children's safety and driver's convenience.
Requesting school zone facilities
All enquiries regarding kiss and drop zones, pedestrian crossings and disabled parking around schools must be directed to the school principal.
Requests for a school crossing supervisor must be submitted in writing to Roads and Maritime Services by the school principal.