School- zone speeders stung

LEADFOOT motorists are being caught speeding more than 100 times a day in school zones, with police warning Queensland children’s lives are at risk.

Almost 120,000 motorists have been caught speeding in school zones since 2010, raking in millions of dollars in fines.

More than 1200 motorists were caught at speeds in excess of 30km/ h over the limit, 144 more than 40km/ h over and 22 bicycle riders were clocked up to 20km/ h above the allowed speed.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey demanded motorists slow down outside schools and said the Government had an open mind about tougher penalties to crack down on offenders.

It comes as the Pedestrian Council of Australia calls for greater police enforcement in school zones, including a 25 per cent fine increase and an extra demerit point penalty.

“These ( children) are our nation’s most precious asset – why aren’t we vigorously enforcing?” PCA chairman Harold Scruby said.

“The Government is going soft on them.”

There are about 3100 school zones in Queensland at primary and high schools.