As preparations ramp-up for the start of return to class next week, an additional headache has emerged with a technical failure of the 20mph flashing lights used to slow down traffic in many school zones.
Highland Council says inactivity during lockdown has created the error, and the warning lights will be out of action for an indeterminate period until the issue is resolved.
The council says drivers should stay within 20mph near schools for pupil safety, regardless of whether signs are flashing or not.
Traffic police are also urging drivers to slow down near schools, and said they will be proactively patrolling these areas, ready to take enforcement action where necessary.
Sergeant Chris Murray said: “It is well documented that driving at inappropriate speeds reduces your ability to react to unexpected changes on the road and is a significant factor in serious injury and fatal crashes.
“Near schools this means a speeding driver is putting the lives of children at risk and this is not a risk worth taking.
“We all have a duty to keep our roads safe and motorists should be aware that speeding is not minor or risk free, it is a serious, dangerous and antisocial activity.”
Highland Council’s education committee chairman John Finlayson said there was no excuse for speeding in school zones.
“Highland Council has for many years actively supported the introduction and enforcement of 20mph around schools.
“Between 2005 and 2009 the authority introduced full and part time 20mph limits at more than 200 schools across the region.
“The council and police are clear that if motorists are caught speeding near Highland schools then robust enforcement action will take place.”
Meanwhile clarity has been given on pupils’ requirement to wear face coverings on school transport.
The council’s transport officer David Summers said the position reached comes from latest official guidance, together with feedback from the public and transport operators.
He said: “On public buses everyone, whether public or school pupils, is required to wear face coverings.
“In small vehicles, such as taxis and minibuses, it is not required but we are advising and encouraging pupils to wear face coverings.
“On mainstream school buses, without a public element, we are not requiring it.”
Mr Summers said Stagecoach had fitted their buses with screens to protect the driver, while others, including taxis were looking, to do so.
Scottish Government funding has come forward for this, he said, but it is not being applied retrospectively for those who have already taken that step.