The fines for ignoring school wardens has doubled from €80 to €160.
Road Safety Officers in Waterford are welcoming this decision as schools return in the coming days.
The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, announced plans on Tuesday last.
It is hoped the fine increase will deter drivers from inappropriate and dangerous driver behaviour at school warden crossings.
"Please slow down when approaching a patrol and remember that a child struck at 20kph will mostly survive but at 40kph they will almost certainly die," Jemma Jacobs, Waterford City and County Council’s Road Safety Officer, said.
When you do not stop for a school warden, you are putting the warden, the children, and other pedestrians at risk.
Drivers are being reminded of the extra pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic on school routes.
Other modes of transport such as scooters, Cycle Buses and Walking Buses may also be present.
Drivers should observe and obey the instructions of a school warden and allow plenty of room at school crossings for pedestrians to cross the road.
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