Children who are seen doing the right thing around schools will cop a reward from police as part of a Gold Coast wide traffic awareness campaign.
The campaign which is running with the help of McDonald’s Gold Coast Licensees will commence today Monday April 27 and will run until May 1st, 2015 and will reward children who wear bicycle helmets, use crossings and demonstrate good road safety practices.
This is a proactive education campaign aiming to encourage road users to be responsible and make good choices when travelling in and around our city’s schools.
Police will be actively patrolling and enforcing safe road practices in particular speeding in school zones, safe parking around schools and wearing of bicycle helmets.
During the past week in preparation for the campaign, schools across the Gold Coast were contacted to have an article from the Crime Prevention Unit put in their newsletters advising drivers of offences, penalties and correct behavior in school zones.
Officers have also attended schools and spoken with parents, teachers and students to educate them on traffic safety.
From May 4 – May 8 there will also be a specific focus on enforcing traffic offences around school zones.
Acting Sergeant Sarah McGuiness from the Gold Coast Crime Prevention Unit said that the safety of children in and around schools is paramount which is why police have targeted this area in a unique road safety campaign.
“McDonalds has thrown their support behind the initiative and have donated 2000 vouchers from their healthy choice range to give to worthy road users.
“As part of the campaign police will also be taking enforcement action against those people who commit offences in and around the school zones.
“It is timely to remind road users to heed their speed in and around school zones.
“Also parking is a major issue with cars illegally parked receiving infringement notices as they pose a safety risk to children.
“The message is simple. Do the right thing and be rewarded,” said Acting Sergeant McGuinness.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.