Easter holidays bring renewed call for road safety as Ipswich police praise our Protect Our Children campaign

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Campaigning for road safety needs continued support to keep children safe.

The Ipswich News Protect Our Children series has promoted the cause throughout the school year, and while it will wrap up as families go on the Easter break, the messages are just as important all year round.

Paying the price: See below what penalties apply if you break the road rules

Ipswich Traffic Branch officer in charge Senior Sergeant Troy Hamilton said at critical periods it was great to increase awareness.

``Certainly promoting awareness through media has big benefits and people need to take heed of the suggestions,'' he said.

Campaign highlights:

Put 40km/h zones for kindies on the political agenda

Informed community about new standardised school zone times

Encouraged feedback and discussion online

Covered a variety of perspectives, including schools, police, doctors, parents and children

Revealed more than 1500 motorists caught speeding in 12 months

Spoke to the parents of Matthew Prior, killed in a crash, about the pain road trauma brings

Police have continued to enforce school zone safety following the Back to School campaign in the first week back which saw 161 traffic infringements, including 90 speeding tickets, issued across the Ipswich police district.

Snr Sgt Hamilton said drivers had been more compliant with road rules in school zones where police resources had been deployed.

``But we'll only be satisfied when there is 100per cent compliance and that is only for the sake of the kiddies,'' he said.

The road safety campaign is now focused on Easter, which Snr Sgt Hamilton said is traditionally one of the busier times.

``We ask that, number one, people make sure their vehicles are roadworthy. That they plan their trip and drive to the conditions. They should not cross flooded roads. And if they're going off the beaten track they should do so safely,'' he said.

BREAKING THE LAW:

If you break the road rules, here's what you can expect (Transport Operations Regulation 2009):

Speeding Less than 13km/h over limit: $133 and 1 point.

At least 13km/h but no more than 20km/h: $200 and 3 points.

More than 20km/h but no more than 30km/h: $333 and 4 points.

At least 30km/h but not more than 40km/h: $466 and 6 points.

More than 40km/h: $933 and 8 points.

Fail to stop at a children's crossing when stop sign is displayed: $300 and 3 points for motorist, $100 for cyclist.

Failure to stop at crossing while pedestrian is on or entering crossing: $300 and 3 points for motorist. $100 for cyclist.

Stop contrary to no stopping or no parking zone: $40.

Pedestrian disobey red pedestrian light or cross at other than shortest route: $40.

Pedestrian cross road within 20 metres of crossing, other than as permitted: $40.

Bicycle rider passenger not wearing helmet: $100.

Bicycle rider failing to wear helmet: $100.

Pedestrian in path of driver, obstruct driver or other pedestrian: $40.

Bicycle failure to stop at red crossing light: $100.

Bicycle rider hold on to moving vehicle: $40.

Motorbike rider failure to wear helmet: $300 and 3 points.

Driver failure to wear seatbelt: $300 and 3 points.

Passenger failure to wear seatbelt: $300 and 3 points.

Drive using hand-held mobile phone: $300 and 3 points for motorists, $300 for cyclists.