Shellharbour City Council is stepping up safety around schools this year with expanded Enhanced No Parking Zones.

The move aims to keep Bus Zones clear during drop-off and pick-up times, addressing growing concerns about illegal parking that blocks buses and reduces visibility for drivers and children.

“Parking in these zones can create dangerous conditions, particularly when buses are loading or unloading students,” Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.

“It can increase congestion, obstruct sightlines and raise the risk of children stepping out from behind parked cars into moving traffic.”

Under the expanded program, the large, highly visible Enhanced No Parking Zone corflute bollards already used at schools will now extend to Bus Zones. Messaging on the bollards reinforces no-parking rules and encourages drivers to be “bus aware.”

Mayor Homer said the refreshed campaign is about making school environments safer for everyone.

“School Bus Zones are critical safety areas, not parking spots for convenience. When drivers stop in these zones, it puts children at risk and disrupts traffic flow.

These new bollards make the rules clear, visible, and help drivers understand the serious safety risks of parking where they shouldn’t.”

The triangular prism-shaped bollards were first installed last year, wrapping around sign poles to clearly define Kiss and Drop zones.

Each side of the bollard features safety messages highlighting key parking rules and reminding drivers why the zones must remain clear.

Parents and carers are urged to plan ahead, use designated Kiss and Drop areas, and always obey parking restrictions to keep school communities safe.

The program was created by Shellharbour City Council and funded by Transport for NSW.