Children will be back at some schools this week and Whanganui Police want drivers to watch out for them.
Road policing Sergeant Colin Wright is asking motorists to be extra vigilant and attentive around schools. Special care needs to be taken at intersections and road crossings, he said.
"Children can be easily distracted when walking in groups and will often cross the road without checking for traffic, or expect traffic to stop for them."
During school hours the speed tolerance will be just 4km/h in the vicinity of schools.
"Police will be vigorously enforcing this tolerance, especially in the time period children are arriving at school and leaving school," Mr Wright said.
Whanganui Police will be running an operation to ensure children are safe on their way to and from school. Particular attention will be paid to speeding, cycle helmets being worn, seatbelt usage, unlawful parking and driving behaviour.
Parents dropping children off at schools are asked to choose their parking carefully and watch children if they have to cross roads.
The Ministry of Education mandates schools return for the 2014 school year between yesterday and February 7. The term ends on April 17.