MOTORISTS are reminded to be wary of school speed zones as students returned to the classroom last week after the summer school holidays.

School speed zones are now in operation from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays from Wednesday, 29 January until the end of term one on Friday, 4 March.

Motorists can expect an increase in road, pedestrian and bicycle traffic around schools, and near bus and tram stops, at drop-off and pick-up times.

Drivers have a responsibility to be especially cautious when travelling near schools, as younger children don’t have the same awareness of road safety as adults do and their behaviour may be unpredictable near the roads.

School speed zones across the state operate in line with the Victorian government school calendar; some permanently, while others operate from 8am to 9.30am, and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays.

School speed zones are designed to keep pedestrians safe by lowering the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.

Regardless of whether a school is open or closed, or has a student-free day, all sign-posted speed reductions will still apply.

The Department of Transport and Planning thanks motorists and passengers for their patience while these important works take place.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.transport.vic.gov.au.

The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.