Motorists have been warned of a change to the rules of the road ahead of the return to school.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, announced on Tuesday that she intends to double the fine for failing to stop at a school warden sign.
The change will see the fine increase from €80 to €160.
Gardai and the Road Safety Authority have urged drivers to watch out for children returning to school and have appealed to motorists to share the roads safely.
Drivers are reminded that there will be a significant increase in school-going traffic in the coming days. They should also expect a rise in the number of children using ‘active modes’ of transport such as cycling, walking or scooting to get to school.
Speaking at the launch of the RSA’s new online Learning Portal, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, said: “I recently announced the doubling of fines for key road traffic offences which are putting road users most at risk on our roads.
“As part of this, I also intend to double the fine from €80 to €160 for drivers who fail to stop at a school warden sign. I anticipate this new measure to be in place in the very near future.
“School wardens are vulnerable road workers. Their job is to keep children safe. But to do this they put themselves at risk every time they step onto the road. They work on all sorts of roads from national routes to small local roads and at times of the day that sees the heaviest traffic. They deserve our respect and a safe working environment.
“Slow down when in the vicinity of schools, watch out for children and school wardens. Most importantly always heed their directions to stop.”
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána, commented: “With children returning to school over the coming days and weeks, we can expect increased traffic volumes on our roads, especially around schools.
“I would ask that all parents remind children about road safety and take extra care when dropping or collecting children from schools. I would also ask that all road users be extra vigilant when driving near schools and school wardens. We want all our children to return to school safely.”
The news comes as the RSA launched its new online Learning Portal, a 3D road safety adventure ahead of the new school year.
The online Learning Portal aims to educate primary and secondary school students on road safety in a fun, interactive, safe learning environment, accessible in the classroom and at home.
Students will be able to access road safety topics, including the Safe Cross Code, seatbelts, distracted driving, the consequences of drink or drug driving, and speeding.
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