Motorists travelling to and from work this week are being reminded to keep an eye out for children heading back to school today.

New School Zone Speed Limits will be enforced on State Highway 2 outside Pahoia School where the limit is reduced to 70km/h, and on State Highway 36 outside Pyes Pa School where the limit is cut to 40km/h.

A new speed limit of 40km/h is in force outside Pyes Pa school.

Motorists are also reminded there is a permanent reduced 4km/hr speed threshold in place around schools, which has been in place since 2007.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager, Senior Sergeant Ian Campion, says there will be a lot of excited and nervous primary school children starting school for the first time, while many others will be catching up with friends after the long summer break.

'Children are easily distracted, parents can attest to that. They aren't always aware of the potential dangers on and around roads and vehicles.

'Most youngsters don't have the ability to accurately judge speed and distance, particularly when crossing roads and many drivers don't have any idea how long it takes to stop when faced with an emergency.”

Ian says the combination of these factors raises the potential for injury or even worse, so it's important for children, parents and drivers to take extra care around school zones.

Parents delivering and picking up children can also compound congestion and need to do their bit by being considerate, ensuring seat belts or child restraints are used correctly and park considerately and legally to reduce risk.

'Congestion around schools is inevitable, so regardless of the posted speed limit drivers need to slow down and be prepared for the unexpected.

'Children's safety is the responsibility of us all, not just parents.”