With the 2017 school year kicking off this week, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to slow down near schools and put the safety of children first.

Friday 27 January is a gazetted school day which means 40km zones will be back in force, as will parking zones around schools.

Parking zones around schools are in place for the safety of children, but also assist with traffic flow during busy drop off and pick up times – minimising possible sight obstructions.

As the school term begins, Council Rangers and Parking Officers will carry out extra patrols to enforce parking restrictions around schools, ensuring a safe start to the new school year.

Council is encouraging everyone to take care when driving through school zones, stick to the speed limit, follow directions from crossing supervisors and avoid any dangerous manoeuvres.

Double Demerits will also be in force from Wednesday 25 until Sunday 29 January 2017 (inclusive) and will apply if a motorist is caught speeding in a designated school zone on Friday 27 January.

For more information on how to park safely around schools, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au