School zone times to remain the same in the Mackay city area

With thousands of school students set to return to school next week, council is reminding motorists to slow down in school zones and adhere to the school zone times currently in place.

The speed limit in school zones in the Mackay city area is 40kmh from 8am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Roads and Infrastructure portfolio councillor Kevin Casey said it’s important we slow down in school zones to ensure the safety of our children.

“We ask motorists to slow down around schools as kids have a tendency to not look before they cross the road.”

Cr Casey said the school zone times in the Mackay city area will remain in place until further notice.

“Despite the State Government announcing standardised school zone time limits, the school zone times in the Mackay city area of 8am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm will remain enforce.”

“Council like the State Government has identified the safety issues associated with speeding vehicles through school zones and has already introduced a number of initiatives, including trials of school zone signage on the road pavement, flashing advisory signage and the trialling of reduced school zone times.”

Approval was granted during 2011 to undertake a trial on schools in the Mackay City area to reduce school zone times from 7.30am - 9am and 2.30pm – 4pm, to 8am - 9am and 2.30pm - 3.30pm.

“Traffic studies have found that the shortened school zone time periods have effectively been successful in focusing the drivers’ attention to reducing speeds at school crossings.”

“Council will consider the results of the trial study over the next month and if it considers that the shortened hours have been successful then it will undertake further consultation with the schools in the region with the objective of seeking an exemption from the State Government to introduce the consistently shortened hours across the Mackay region.”

Mackay Regional Council will be working with Police to ensure the school zone times and the 40kmh speed limit is adhered to.

For further information on school zone times please visit council’s website or call 1300MACKAY (622 529).

Contact: Mackay Regional Council

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)