“It is all about the safety of our students and any new laws that assist in ensuring that safety are very welcome,” Ms Morley said this week following the announcement of the changes by Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey.

“I would like to remind all motorists within our community to be aware of children entering and exiting the school grounds,” Ms Morley said.

The changes come as the 2018 school year gets underway with Grenfell motorists being urged to take note of the new laws and remain cautious around schools within the community.

The changes to some parking offence penalties under the Road Transport Legislation Amendment Regulation 2017, comes as the NSW Government hits a major milestone in its $10 million school infrastructure program.

The offences include obstruct access to a ramp/path/passageway, stop on/near children’s or pedestrian crossing, and stopping within 10 metres of an intersection without traffic lights. Many students are brought to school by car, and many schools are on or near busy roads.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP has also welcomed the changes to the legislation which include seven new school zone offences and the loss of extra demerit points. 

“Wherever there are schools, there will be cars, that’s an inescapable part of life, the safety of our children is paramount, which is why we worked with a number of organisations to review parking penalties.” said Ms Cooke.

Minister Pavey said the changes come into force as the NSW Government completes a third of its school infrastructure program.

“Over the past two years the NSW Government invested $10 million into school infrastructure, with $5 million invested into school flashing lights, the other $5 million into infrastructure,” Mrs Pavey said.

“This infrastructure work has included implementing raised crossings, line markings, fencing and kerb extensions as well as building pedestrian refuges.”  So far 54 schools around the state have benefited from the installation of the NSW Government safety upgrades

NSW Government safety school zones in Grenfell are situated in Melyra Street, North Street, South Street, Sullivan Street, Warraderry Street, Weddin Street and East Street.

For more information visit roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au.