More than 125,000 motorists were caught speeding through active school zones across NSW last year, prompting renewed government calls for greater vigilance as students return to school for Term Three this week.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison highlighted the alarming figures urging drivers to prioritise children's safety and set better examples.

“That’s 125,000 drivers who made the selfish decision to put children’s lives at risk,” Ms Aitchison said. “There’s no excuse for speeding around schools.”

The Government has installed more than 6800 flashing lights at school zones statewide, supported by about 1500 crossing supervisors at over 980 schools. A new state-of-the-art signage trial is also underway near Newcastle.

“As we head into the second half of the school year, I’m calling on every motorist to put safety first,” Ms Aitchison said.