The move comes as children get ready to go back to school.
As classrooms prepare to reopen soon following the summer break, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are calling on drivers to watch out for children returning to school.
One measure being introduced to help encourage safe driving around schools is the doubling of fines for failing to stop at a school warden sign.
Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, announced the measure on Tuesday morning (23 August).
The fine will now increase from €80 to €160.
“I anticipate this new measure to be in place in the very near future,” Naughton said.
“School wardens are vulnerable road workers. Their job is to keep children safe.
But to do this they put themselves at risk every time they step onto the road. They work on all sorts of roads, from national routes to small local roads, and at times of the day that see the heaviest traffic.
“They deserve our respect and a safe working environment. Slow down when in the vicinity of schools, watch out for children and school wardens.
“Most importantly, always heed their directions to stop.”
Traffic is set to increase across the coming days as children return to school, with drivers being warned that an increase is expected in the number of children using “active” methods of heading to school, including cycling, walking, or using a scooter.
“With children returning to school over the coming days and weeks, we can expect increased traffic volumes on our roads, especially around schools,” said Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána.
“I would ask that all parents remind children about road safety and take extra care when dropping or collecting children from schools. I would also ask that all road users be extra vigilant when driving near schools and school wardens.
“We want all our children to return to school safely.”
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