Within the first five weeks of the school term, a thousand drivers have been caught speeding in ACT school zones.

Police have detected 52 speeding drivers, with 40 copping traffic infringement notices and 12 issued with cautions. At the same time, 961 drivers have been caught speeding in school zones by ACT government mobile speed vans.

Police say that this week officers will be out across the ACT, conducting speed-enforcement activity at multiple schools.

Officer in charge of Road Policing A/Insp Mark Richardson said: “To have 1000 drivers detected speeding in school zones in such a short period of time is incredibly concerning.

“It is important to remember that children, especially young primary school children, are some of our most vulnerable road users. Parents and their children can be using these school zones throughout the day, not just in the morning but for afternoon pick up as well. Young children may also be less aware of the dangers that crossing the road can pose.

“We are imploring to Canberra drivers to slow down, the 40km/h speed limit is in place for good reason, as it gives motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation.”