Port Stephens Council has revealed the most common mistakes local drivers make in school zones as part of its annual back-to-school safety campaign.

Twenty-five schools are being patrolled by council rangers in a bid to raise awareness of safety and compliance during drop-off and pick-up times.

Team leader of the rangers Gavin Castro said parking in bus zones and no stopping zones were the top two offences and encouraged drivers to brush up on the different signs and rules around school zones.

“Schools during these peak times are incredibly busy places, so by parking in a no stopping zone or bus zone – even for just a minute – you can obstruct the view of other drivers and pedestrians, making it really unsafe,” he said.

“School zones and parking signs are in place for a very important reason, but after a few months off and in the excitement of starting the new term the rules can sometimes be overlooked or forgotten.

“Over the next couple of weeks our rangers will be issuing warnings and handing out flyers outside local schools to encourage people to slow down, do the right thing and pay attention to the signs.

“Whether you’re dropping off, picking up or simply driving past, we all have a role to play in keeping our kids safe.”

“Finding a safe place to stop like a ‘kiss and drop’ or parking a little further away and walking to school may take a little extra time, but it could prevent a tragedy.”

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