School speed zones now in effect

ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans to slow down in school zones as children return to the classroom.

With the school term starting this week, 40km/h speed limits will be in effect across all ACT school zones.

In 2025, ACT Policing issued 264 fines and 47 cautions to drivers caught speeding in school zones, including one driver who was caught travelling at 89km/h.

The Kaleen woman, who was 44 at the time, was issued with a $2,136 fine and her licence was suspended for six months.

ACT Policing Detective Superintendent of Road and Proactive Policing Alex Nicolson said the speed limit in school zones gave motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable road users and their size and unpredictability exposes them to significant risk around roads,” Detective Superintendent Nicolson said.

“It is disappointing that drivers continue to gamble with children’s lives by speeding in school zones. Slow down, pay attention, and don’t take that risk.”

ACT Policing and the ACT Government will undertake traffic enforcement operations in school zones across the territory. Drivers caught speeding in a school zone can face a fine, incurring demerit points, and having their licence suspended.