Schools zones back in force as the kids head back to school

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

With the Anzac day long weekend's Operation Go Slow wrapping up overnight, police are urging drivers to continue to be vigilant as school returns around the Hunter this morning.

Thousands of students are heading back into the classroom, with the 40km/h speed limits in force from 8 til 9:30am and 2:30 til 4pm each weeekday.

Officers around the Hunter will be paying special attention to anyone seen breaking the rules.

"We hope that people are seeing the flashing school signs in school areas so please take extra care and make sure you stick the 40 km/h speed limit to ensure that our children, their parents and teachers get to school safely," said Traffic and Highway Chief Inspector Phil Brooks.

With school zones back in place, it's also an opportunity for parents to remind their children how to cross the road safely.

"Teaching your children the importance of crossing the road safely by looking right, left and right again and only using the pedestrian crossings and never assuming that a vehicle will see or stop for a child crossing the road. Many accidents have occurred at pedestrian crossings," said Ambulance Inspector Brian Lakin.

Image mynrma.com.au

Police out in force for Operation Saturation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter Traffic and Highway patrol officers will commence a state-wide operation tomorrow to target road users putting themselves and others at risk.

Operation Saturation - part of Operation Towards Zero - begins tomorrow and concludes on 27 November 2016 and comes at a time when the states road toll has reached 342 deaths so far this year.

The high visibility crack down will be focusing on speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet compliance, driver fatigue and drink and drug driving, with officers engaging with road users to raise their awareness and educate them on the risks of irresponsible road use.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Acting Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy says the responsibility of reducing road trauma lies with every person using the road.

"Drivers, riders, cyclists, passengers and pedestrians all have to play a part in assisting us to bring this tragic and avoidable loss of life to an end." he said.

"We will ensure that anyone caught taking risks, or risking the lives of others, will be stopped and dealt with according to the law."

So far this year, 342 people have died on NSW roads, 32 more than the same time last year.

Photo source: NSW Police