Corowa police are growing increasingly alarmed by the number of drivers speeding through school zones, posing a significant risk to the safety of children, as well as an alarming surge in drink driving in the area.
Corowa Sergeant Stephen Marshall said that multiple individuals have been caught exceeding the speed limit in designated school zones over the past month.
“We are seeing speeding in and around school zones, particularly St Mary’s Primary School and Corowa Public,” he said.
“On May 8 there was four speeding offenses, as well as a non-compliant with P Plates, an unregistered vehicle and a disqualified driver.
“On the morning of May 15, we identified fivce persons speeding through the school zone. On June 6 we detected someone speeding through a school zone with low level Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA).
“Speeding in school zones is a serious offense that puts the lives of innocent children at risk.
“We have seen a concerning increase in drivers exceeding the speed limit in these areas, and it's crucial for everyone to recognise the dangers involved.”
Sergeant Marshall also highlighted his concerns with the number of people drink driving. He referred to it as an “epidemic,” indicating the alarming frequency at which individuals are caught driving under the influence.
"Drink driving is not only illegal but extremely dangerous," warned Sergeant Marshall. "It not only endangers the lives of the drivers but also poses a significant risk to innocent road users.
“Over the long weekend, our highway boys didn’t even get over to Mulwala because every time they tried to leave Corowa, they got a PCA.
“We charged six people over the long weekend with PCA- four mid-range, one of which will be charged with having drugs in their system. We charged one person with high range PCA, and one was done with driving while suspended. One of the individuals was under when they were tested back at the station.
“What’s really concerning is of the six people, five were locals.”
In an effort to combat the growing problem, Sergeant Marshall and his team are increasing their patrols and conducting random breath tests across Corowa and the Federation Council region. The goal is to detect and apprehend those driving under the influence and send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“There is only one way we can address this, and as a result, we’re going to have to come out in force,” he said.
“We need every driver in Corowa to take responsibility for their actions and prioritise the safety of our children and community. Speeding and drink driving have no place on our roads, especially near our schools, and especially when we consider the staggering number of lives lost on our roads this year.
“I am shocked that despite the considerable number of deaths on regional roads this year, that individuals continue to engage in such reckless behaviour.”