Drivers are urged to take extra care around Ballarat schools, as thousands of students return to the classroom this week.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, is urging parents and carers to be extra vigilant during drop-off and pick up times, obey parking restrictions and keep clear of school crossings.

From this week, speed limits around Ballarat schools have dropped to either 40km/h or 60km/h in the mornings from 8am to 9.30am and afternoons from 2.30pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

The Labor Government is delivering safety improvements to schools right across the state, making sure students are getting to and from school safely.

Upgrades such as flashing electronic speed signs, pedestrian crossing signals and new school crossing supervisors have been made possible through the Government’s $5 million School Area Safety Fund and $18.9 million School Crossing Supervisor Program.

Ms Addison said lower speeds around schools have helped save lives and serious injury.

“The start of the new school year can be both a daunting and exciting time for parents and students and we want to make sure the transition back to school is as safe and smooth as possible, she said.

“We’re asking Ballarat drivers to pay extra attention around school zones as students return to school this week because it only takes one distraction for a child to be put in harm’s way,” Ms Addison said.

Term 1 school speed zones will be in place from Tuesday 28 January to Friday 27 March, except for public holidays.