Muscat – With the new academic year beginning on Sunday, Royal Oman Police (ROP) has called on motorists to exercise caution around schools, warning against speeding, unsafe overtaking and other common traffic violations.

ROP has rolled out a comprehensive traffic plan to ease congestion and safeguard students. The measures include intensified patrols, awareness campaigns, training for school bus drivers and community-based initiatives to promote road safety.

Brig Ali bin Salim al Falahi, Director General of Traffic, said the plan covers main roads, bridges, roundabouts and traffic signals, with particular focus on school zones. He added that officers will monitor violations as well as educate parents and drivers on the importance of following traffic rules.

He noted that accident rates near schools have fallen in recent years due to measures such as speed bumps, signage and increased police presence. More than 497 school bus drivers have completed specialised training in cooperation with traffic safety institutes, with the programme set to expand across all governorates. Teachers, administrators and parents are also being involved to increase community responsibility.

The most common offences in school zones remain speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians and dangerous overtaking. To address these, ROP and safety institutes are running workshops, exhibitions and digital campaigns, including social media content and brochures for families.

Brig Falahi informed that future plans include introducing simulators and interactive tools in traffic schools and expanding awareness convoys. Road safety concepts are also being integrated into school curricula in cooperation with Ministry of Education.

He pointed to the ongoing Road Safety Educational Programme, developed with Shell Oman, which will be expanded to all schools targeting students aged eight to 18 through interactive lessons.

“Traffic safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from schools, families, staff and all road users. ROP is committed to developing awareness and training programmes to ensure a safe educational environment across the sultanate,” Brig Falahi added.