POLICE are urging drivers to beware of the risks when driving near schools

9.15am 07.09.07 - DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care and adhere to speed limits at the beginning of the new school year.

Last year, 434 children in Avon and Somerset were injured in collisions in 30mph zones, of which 249 happened during school arrival or departure times.

Operation Term, set up by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, will run throughout September, with officers working to educate students about the need to take care when travelling on the roads.

Officers will also be targeting collision hotspots where children congregate, including around schools, playing fields and public parks.

They will be stopping speeding motorists and educating them about the need to slow down in areas where young and vulnerable people gather.

Police will also be enforcing seatbelt and child seat legislation to protect young people travelling by car, as well as targeting motorists driving while using their mobile phones.

Motorists will be urged to consider the vulnerability of children starting a new school who may be travelling there along unfamiliar routes or unaccompanied for the first time.