10 May 2007
Speed coming down around schools
Despite the Police crackdown on speeders around schools, the number of photographs taken by speed cameras continues to drop.
"We are pleased to see that at last the message is finally getting through," said Superintendent Dave Cliff, Police National Road Policing Manager.
"Not only will lives have been saved, but the reduced speeds round schools means that there is less pressure in general around schools. Children are being encouraged to walk to school and we are pleased to be able to help make the areas around schools safer," he said.
Police have issued more than 100,000 speed camera notices and a further 6,715 officer-issued tickets around schools since February last year when the campaign was launched.
The highest speed recorded was 119km/h on a 50 km/h zone.
The campaign was initiated to reduce the number of child pedestrian and cyclist casualties, especially during the high risk morning and afternoon periods of the school day.
From 7th February 2006, Police introduced strict enforcement more than 5 km/hour over the speed limit to raise awareness of the risk that speed poses to children who are usually on foot and much more vulnerable than adults.
In February 2007, the enforcement threshold was reduced so that any driver detected at more than 4 km/hour over a speed limit would be ticketed.
Additionally, Police extended the hours of operation to include enforcement at any times schools operate which included events such as after school activities or weekend sporting events.
ENDS
For further information:
Lesley Wallis
Communications Manager
NZ Police - Road Policing
04 4707111
027 2209752