Western Australian police have launched a major traffic enforcement operation targeting school zones as students return to classrooms for the start of the 2026 academic year. The crackdown, which began today, will focus intensively on motorists who speed, drive under the influence of drugs, or fail to use age-appropriate children's booster seats.
Intensive Five-Day Blitz Planned
Road Policing Command Superintendent Glenn Spencer confirmed that police presence would be at its most visible over the coming five days, though enforcement activities would continue throughout the entire school year. "We know the risks increase when traffic volumes are high, and that is why we will be targeting speeding, distraction and any behaviour that puts young people in danger," Superintendent Spencer stated.
Multiple Enforcement Strategies Deployed
Police have detailed a comprehensive approach to catching offenders, including:
- Marked police vehicles conducting regular patrols
- Police motorcycles monitoring school zones
- Speed cameras positioned to detect violations
- Increased roadside drug testing near educational institutions
- Mandatory breath testing for every driver stopped
The operation comes as school zone speed limits of 40km/h are enforced during peak hours from 7:30am to 9:00am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm on weekdays.
Community Safety Message Emphasised
Superintendent Spencer stressed that protecting children during their commute represents a shared community responsibility. "This operation is about reminding the community that one poor decision behind the wheel can have devastating consequences," he explained. "Slow down, pay attention and make choices that help protect the most vulnerable people on our roads."
He added that officers would maintain a highly visible presence around school crossings across the state as students return to their educational routines.
Historical Precedent Highlights Problem
The crackdown follows concerning historical data from similar operations. Two years ago, police issued more than 400 infringements to speeding motorists in just 90 minutes at a single school crossing on Stirling Highway in Peppermint Grove. During that afternoon school peak period, approximately 1,400 vehicles passed through the zone, with 29 percent found to be exceeding the speed limit.
Additional Traffic Challenges Expected
The enforcement operation coincides with anticipated traffic disruptions caused by the closure of the Fremantle traffic bridge. This infrastructure work is expected to create significant congestion along the already challenging Stirling Highway route serving several western suburbs schools, including Christ Church Grammar, Presbyterian Ladies College, and Scotch College.
Police have urged all motorists to exercise additional caution, reduce speeds in school zones, and ensure their vehicles comply with all safety regulations during this period of increased traffic activity and police enforcement.
