Kids' return to school brings warning

Photo / Glenn Taylor

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on the roads around schools this week as the rush of back-to-school begins.

Schools go back today for Term Four and Senior Sergeant Malcolm Collins of the Rotorua police said motorists should be careful around school entrances and the roads around schools over the next couple of weeks as students settle back into the school routine.

He said after two weeks of driving around empty schools motorists could sometimes get a bit complacent.

Parents should also be taking care of young kids around the roads as many would be excited to be getting back to school and seeing their friends again.

"Kids are going to be excited and they're not always thinking about what they should be thinking about around roads."

Mr Collins said it was also a reminder for those driving around school buses, particularly in the rural areas, to slow down when passing a stopped bus.

He said when a bus was stopped the speed limit for passing motorists in both directions was 20km/h.

Mr Collins said it was also a good time to remind children about road safety: "It doesn't hurt for all of us to be reminded of the dangers."