LOCAL authorities and stakeholders are urging motorists to take further care around school crossings following multiple reports of crossing supervisors being put at risk at the end of last year.

Thousands of local children have started to head back to the classroom this week, where an increased police presence around schools was expected to ensure motorists are adhering to the reduced speed limits.

Police data revealed officers have issued 42 infringements to motorists for failing to stop at a children’s crossing over the past three financial years across the state (July 2021 – June 2024).

Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said local police would not tolerate road users putting crossing supervisors at risk.

“It was disappointing that we received multiple reports of drivers putting crossing supervisors at risk towards the end of last year,” he said.

“Crossing supervisors do a fantastic job keeping our children safe.”

Wangaratta-based crossing supervisor Graham Spence said he there were multiple incidents where he was placed at risk on local roads during last term and urged motorists to obey the reduced speed limit when they apply.

“People just have to pay attention and not be distracted,” he said.

According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), around seven children aged 0 to 15 die each year on Victorian roads and 56 children aged 5-15 lost their lives on Victorian roads between 2014 and 2024, with most fatalities occurring during peak school commute hours.

A devastating number of pedestrian fatalities was recorded across the state in 2024, with 48 pedestrians killed, including three children aged 12 years or under.

A 63-year-old Wodonga school crossing supervisor was killed after he was struck by a vehicle in Wodonga during the first week of school on February 2 last year.

Sgt Hillier said he urged all road users to exercise care not only around school zones, but residential streets where you are likely to see increased pedestrian traffic.

“It’s important that children and parents utilise designated school crossings,” he said.

“Teaching children to utilise designated school crossings when available is an important part of educating children about road safety.”

Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant said council reminded motorists to adhere to parking regulations and no-standing zones around school crossings.

“Slowing down in school zones is paramount, we're not just obeying the law, we're actively protecting the lives of our community's children," she said.

The penalty for failing to stop and remain stationary at a children’s crossing is $494 and three demerit points.

KidSafe Victoria offered back-to-school safety tips for motorists returning to school, which included keeping children aged 12 and under in the back seat of cars, adhering to speed limits and dangers of leaving children in cars in hot temperatures.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website, RACV website .

Parents and carers can download the Safe School Run guide at the Kidsafe Victoria website.