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NSW School Zone Speed Limits Active During Pupil-Free Days

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NSW School Zones Active on Pupil-Free Days: Penalties and Enforcement Insights

School zone speed limits in New South Wales (NSW) became active on January 27, including during designated pupil-free "school development" days. Motorists are required to adhere to the reduced speed limits, typically 40km/h, during the specified operational hours. Students are scheduled to return to classrooms on February 2.

Activation Schedule

For public schools in NSW's eastern division, school development days were observed from Tuesday, January 27, to Friday, January 30. Public schools in the western division are scheduled to observe similar development days one week later.

Operational Hours

School zones operate from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM on all school days, which include pupil-free days. These regulations do not apply on weekends, public holidays, or public school holidays.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Drivers found exceeding the posted speed limits in active school zones face fines and demerit points. In areas designated as High Pedestrian Activity Areas (HPAA), such as parts of Manly, the speed limit is 30km/h.

Penalties for speeding in a 40km/h school zone include:

  • Up to 10km/h over the limit: $246 fine and 2 demerit points.
  • Over 10km/h up to 20km/h over the limit: $443 fine and 4 demerit points.
  • Over 20km/h up to 30km/h over the limit: $738 fine and 5 demerit points.
  • Over 30km/h up to 45km/h over the limit: $1,429 fine and 6 demerit points.
  • Over 45km/h over the limit: $3,242 fine and 7 demerit points.

Enforcement and Data

Enforcement of school zone speed limits on pupil-free days is an ongoing practice. In 2024, 2,184 speeding fines were issued over two pupil-free days preceding Term One, which was nearly double the daily average for February.

Rising Fines on Pupil-Free Days

The NRMA has reported an increase in speeding fines issued during pupil-free periods. In January 2025, one pupil-free day recorded 1,379 fines, a 130% increase compared to the daily average of 602 fines in March.

The NRMA has advocated for an audit of the state's school zones, noting approximately $35 million in fines from speeding and red-light camera offenses in these areas during the last financial year.

Peter Khoury, an NRMA spokesperson, stated that while public support for school zones is strong, the number of fines issued on pupil-free days suggests a need for increased driver awareness to enhance safety.

Expert Commentary

Russell White, CEO and Founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, stated the consistent importance of adhering to school zone speed limits, including during non-school periods.

He noted that fines on pupil-free days serve as a preventative measure and supported the need for increased campaigns to alert drivers, while also emphasizing individual driver responsibility.

Noteworthy Speed Camera Locations (2024-2025)

Data from 2024-2025 indicates high volumes of fines at the following speed camera locations within school zones:

  • Woodville Road, Chester Hill (Southbound): 8,240 fines
  • Victoria Road, Ryde (Eastbound): 6,307 fines
  • Princes Highway, Kogarah (Southbound): 4,754 fines
  • Lane Cove Road, North Ryde (Northbound): 4,391 fines
  • Bunnerong Road, Maroubra (Southbound): 4,027 fines