Road Safety Officer Iris Dorsett said, "The 40km/h school zone slows traffic in the immediate vicinity of the school and most 40km/h school zones operate between 8am and 9.30am and again at 2.30pm until 4pm on each gazetted school day.

While some schools may operate on different terms dates school zone speed limits must be adhered to during NSW Government determined school terms.

"The 40km/h school zone speed limit must be adhered to even if school children are not visible and all drivers should take extra care near the school crossing and follow all directions of the school crossing supervisor," she said.

Ms Dorsett, reminds motorists about with some simple tips to improve your children's safety around schools including:

n School aged children should always travel in the back seat of you vehicle. Each child must be firmly buckled into an appropriate seatbelt or child restraint. NEVER share a seatbelt.

n Children should always get in and out of the car through the rear kerb side or 'safety door'.

n Always drop your children on the school side of the road.

n Meet your children on the school side of the road, preferably at the school gate. This is particularly important in wet weather.

n NEVER call to your children from across the road. Teach them to wait unit you come to them. Talk to them about what they should do if you are not there on time.

n Children up to at least eight years old should hold an adult's hand in the car park, on the footpath and when crossing the road. Children between eight and at least ten years old should be closely supervised by an adult in the traffic environment and should hold and adult's hand when crossing the road.

n Talk your child through the 'STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! THINK! routine every time you cross the road together: STOP! One step back from the kerb. LOOK! For traffic to your right, left and right again. LISTEN! For the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! Whether it is safe to cross. Always look and listen for traffic as you cross the road.

n Always slow to 40km/h (or less) when traveling in an operating school zone.

n Always obey parking signs around your child's school. These signs help save children's lives.

n NEVER leave a child of any age in a vehicle without adult supervision. A small child may rapidly suffer dehydration, heat exhaustion and consequent organ failure. Older children could play games that may lead to tragedy.

Following these rules could prove the difference between 'causing' or 'avoiding' an accident.

School zones are continually policed and offences and penalties when committed in an operating school zone include:

Speeding - minimum fines of $186 and 2 demerit points

Approach children's crossing too quickly to stop safely - $425 fine and 3 demerit points

Double parking - $319 fine and 2 demerit points

Interblock children's crossing in a school zone - $319 fine and 3 demerit points.