Mayoral Column – Road safety as school returns

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

It’s that busy time for families in our City when school returns for the new year. With some students already back and others preparing for Term 1 to officially commence next week, I urge everyone in our community to be mindful of children and young people on local roads.

The 40km/h school zones are back in force and associated road rules for parking and correct use of kiss and drop zones apply.

Penrith City Council works closely with NSW Police and Transport for NSW to ensure safety around schools in our Local Government Area.

As a parent of school-aged children, this is close to my heart. We all need to do the right thing – slow down, look out for little kids, hold hands when walking to and from school and supervise young people near traffic, including in school zones. Children must wear helmets if riding scooters or bicycles.

Council continues to engage with schools to encourage and support road safety. While rangers enforce parking rules, Council officers share important educational resources with schools to distribute via their communication channels, and for students to share with their families.

We also investigate traffic issues and action feedback about pedestrian crossings, line markings and other infrastructure requirements to keep our community safe and connected.

This is part of Council’s commitment to road safety that is also demonstrated through free Child Car Seat Safety Checks and Helping Learner Drivers Become Safe Drivers Workshops.

Find out more at penrith.city/roadsafety.

Council wishes our community a wonderful start to the 2026 school year and a smooth transition for Kindergarten students as they embark on their journey.

Cr Todd Carney

Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 28 January 2026.