MOTORISTS are being urged to take greater care around a North East school zone amid concerns for the safety of students.
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Kiewa Valley Primary School principal Deb Bowman is concerned about drivers not following the rules around school crossings.
Vehicles must give way to anyone preparing to walk through the crossings when the flags are out.
They can’t pass through until the pedestrians have completely crossed.
Ms Bowman has sent out a flyer to parents and said the issue was about educating people.
“Some people haven’t been stopping when people were waiting,” she said.
“I think it’s just about reminding people of what to do and making people aware of the issue.
“I’ve sent a flyer out saying staff and teachers were concerned about safety at the crossing.
“We’re just reminding people to follow the rules.”
The site, on Kiewa East Road, does not have enough traffic to be eligible for a crossing supervisor or flashing lights.
Leading Senior Constable Tim Park said people may be complacent due to the fact the area was quiet.
“The school zones in small country towns are just as important as the zones in Wodonga where it’s busy,” he said.
“People in smaller towns may be a bit more complacent as the traffic isn’t as intense, but the same rules apply.
“People need to be aware that when people are on or entering the school crossing, they need to give way.”
The road is normally a 50km/h zone, but is 40km/h between 8am and 9.30am, and 2.30pm to 4pm, on school days.
Leading Senior Constable Park said police ran enforcement operations at school zones.
“We just want drivers to think about it a bit more,” he said.
“We will be continuing to pay attention to school zones and crossings.
“The main concern is people failing to give way to someone on or about to enter the crossing.”
He said it was an ongoing issue at many sites.