AA backs speed blitz at schools

The Automobile Association says it has an assurance from police that a campaign targeting motorists near schools will be about education rather than hitting drivers' pockets.

But police say there will be "no quarter given" to motorists found breaking the speed limit near schools from today.

Speed camera zones have been set up around more than 200 schools nationwide in preparation for the start of the new term. Police officers with speed-detecting lasers will also be stationed at some schools.

Anyone caught driving more than 5km/h over the limit, instead of the usual 10km/h threshold, will be ticketed.

The AA was concerned the campaign would simply focus on enforcement of the speed limit and issuing of tickets.

"We therefore sought and received assurance from the police that the campaign will be well publicised and will focus on driver education and child safety - not penalising motorists," said AA spokesman Mike Noon.

"The police and AA have a joint goal and that is to reduce the risk of serious injury to children near schools, to decrease driver speed and to increase driver awareness of the risks in these areas."

Mr Noon said the AA supported the campaign, but it would be a success only if drivers learned to be alert when driving near schools.

Road policing manager Superintendent Dave Cliff said there would be no excuse for any motorist exceeding the 5km/h threshold near schools from today.

"All the research says that the best behaviour modification thing the police can do is actually ticket people," he said.

"Everyone knows about the risks, particularly around schools.

"We expect people to be travelling at or below the speed limit, and certainly no faster.

"The purpose of the campaign is really to go beyond people thinking just about slowing down at schools.

"We want people to slow down anywhere there are pedestrians," Mr Cliff said.

Mr Noon said the AA wanted a long-term solution of permanent 40km/h zones at schools enforced at "critical drop-off and pick-up times", as had been adopted at some Christchurch schools.