28 January, 2026

As the 2026 school year begins, Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding all road users to slow down, stay alert, and drive safely around school zones.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Community Safety Tony Krawczyk said the return to school was a timely reminder for motorists to review their driving habits.

“The start of the school year can be a busy and sometimes confusing time on our roads and in school drop-off zones,” Mr Krawczyk said.

“It is important for everyone to be patient, to always be on the lookout for pedestrians, and to follow road and parking rules, particularly in and around school zones.”

Mr Krawczyk encouraged drivers to allow plenty of time for school drop‑off and pick‑up, familiarise themselves with school zone times and parking restrictions, and accept that they may not be able to park directly outside the school gate.

“The priority must always be the safety of children and the wider community,” he said.

Pedestrians are also urged to play their part in keeping everyone safe by using designated crossings and avoiding busy or unsafe locations when crossing roads.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We all want our children to arrive at school safely and return home again at the end of the day,” Mr Krawczyk said.

Council’s Compliance Officers will be increasing patrols around school zones in the coming weeks, focusing on education and awareness.

“Our officers are there to remind road users of their responsibilities in and around school zones,” Mr Krawczyk said.

“While our preference is to educate rather than fine, enforcement action may be taken as a last resort for those who blatantly ignore the rules and place others at risk of injury or worse.”

Council encourages all road users to review signage and school zone requirements to ensure they understand their responsibilities to help keep Gunnedah Shire’s school communities safe.

Some tips for safe driving and parking when travelling to and from school:

• • Always follow the road rules and signs;
  • Do not expect to park close to your school – drop-off and pick-up times are busy. You might need to park further away and walk your child to school; and
  • Know where the school speed zones are and where parking is available around the school.

Remember:

• • Do not park across driveways;
  • Do not park within 3 metres of a double centre line;
  • Do not park on a path or nature strip;
  • Do not park within 10 metres of an intersection;
  • Do not stop at a No Stopping or No Parking area;
  • Do not park or stop in a bus or taxi zone; and
  • Do not double park.

To find out more about parking rules in New South Wales, visit www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/parking/parking-rules

Caption: Local road users need to be aware of school zone requirements and parking restrictions as term one starts in the Gunnedah Shire.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au