Knox school parking alert

SCHOOL’S back this week and Knox Council is gearing up for more patrols to catch people illegally parking around schools after raking in fines of almost $60,000 in the second half of last year.

And it is urging drivers to be safe around schools in the lead-up to the new term.

Officers issued 590 fines during school terms 3 and 4 last year, worth $59,991, with more than half for drivers who flouted “no stopping” signs.

Other common offences were stopping in a bus zone (66), for parking longer than indicated (58) and double parking (43).

The council could not provide figures for terms 1 and 2 when asked by Leader last week.

The council cracked down on illegal parking around schools from July, photographing drivers who defied restrictions.

Mayor Adam Gill urged drivers to put safety first around schools.

“Road and parking rules are there for a reason - they are in place to ensure the safety of children who are being dropped off and picked up from school,” Cr Gill said.

Officers would continue to patrol schools, particularly in peak drop-off and pick-up times, he said. Source: Knox Leader