Leeton Shire Council road safety officer said there continued to be be an increased number of motorists disobeying "no parking" and "no stopping" signs in school zones.

With term four now underway for schools, Mrs Puntoriero said parents and carers of students needed to be aware of the dangers that can arise from disobeying these signs.

"No parking and no stopping areas are put in place for safety reasons and should be observed at all times," she said.

"Drivers dropping off children at or on school crossings or in school bus zones are breaking the law, as well as posing a serious risk to their own and other children in the area.

"These offences also attract heavy fines and loss of demerit points."

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Mrs Puntoriero was certain there was confusion surrounding the signs and what they actually mean.

No parking means a driver can stop for two minutes to either pick up or drop off passengers, but must remain within three metres of the car.

No stopping means "no stopping" at any time - not even to quickly pick someone up or drop them off.

A bus zone does not allow for motorists to park in that location unless driving a bus. However, hours of operation may apply to some of these signs, so it is best to check these time frames.

"Traffic offences in school zones attract increased fines and demerit points, for example, disobeying a no parking sign in a school zone is a $187 fine and loss of two demerits points," Mrs Puntoriero said.

"Disobeying a no stopping sign or parking in a bus zone within a school zone incurs a $337 fine and loss of two demerit points.

"Mobile phones in school zones are also becoming a concern with more and more people seen driving through school zones while talking or texting."

Mrs Puntoriero has asked drivers to be aware of school zone signs, pay attention to school crossings, watch out for children and obey the road rules.

"The safety of children around our schools is a key community concern," she said.

"One of the biggest issues in school zones is drivers not parking safely and causing a hazard to pedestrians around schools."

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