'This number should be zero': Hundreds of drivers caught speeding in Canberra's school zones

In NSW, the 40 limit only applies at certain times, so for visitors, it is confusing to have different rules here. In addition, to help drivers, most school signs in NSW are accompanied by flashing amber lights to alert drivers when school is in session. In the ACT, we are evidently expected to memorise the school calendar! Only 15% of the population attends school – wouldn’t it be better if we had active signs to help us know if schools are in and speed limits are in place?

How many of these offences were from direct police action and how many were detected by the RRV (Radar Revenue Van)?

Same with car park speed limits, they’re 10km, which is about walking speed. The number of cars flying around Canberra car parks, where little kids can be hard to see and often dart out from behind parked cars, is alarming. Do police ever patrol the car parks?

We need a lot more speed cameras around schools, like in Europe where people don’t speed because the probability of being caught is so high.

There is no excuse for speeding full stop. If the sign says 40 – do it. But to improve compliance it would be good if these road signs are actively managed. The particular road sign in the photo that accompanies this story is situated at Aranda and remained on display throughout the school holidays.

Same goes for roadworks signs. De-activating the signs when not applicable might contribute to compliance when they are on display – and improve the odds of protecting vulnerable road users.

The only reference I can think of is not everyone has kids therefore aren’t aware of when school holidays start/end. I try to keep track but notice not all the school speed zone signs are removed. One feels really stupid doing 40km/h when it’s not needed and others are doing 60km/h.