POLICE are targeting speeding drivers around schools as students return this week.

Supt Kylie Flower said the school zone restrictions are in place between 8am and 4pm and warns motorists there will be tough penalties for those who choose to ignore them.

“The 40km/hr speed limit is critical in school zones because it gives motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation, like when a child steps out on the road to cross without looking,” Supt Flower said.

“Being the first day of school for 2012, it is important to remember that children, especially the younger primary school children, may be a little more excited about getting to school, and don’t have the same road safety awareness  they’d normally have. With that in mind drivers should take extra care when driving through a school zone.”

Police will be paying special attention to school precincts throughout the week targeting speeding drivers and those parking illegally.