Western Bay of Plenty police are launching a two week sting targeting motorists that speed past schools in the region.

Otumoetai Intermediate students with their stop sign.

The sting coincides with the start of the new school year on Tuesday.

Sergeant Lester Polglase says motorists caught exceeding posted speed limits by more than 5km/h will be automatically fined.

'It's going to save an extra two seconds by speeding past a school,” says Lester.

'That two seconds could cost a young child their life.”

Along with speed, police will also target parking around schools, particularly those who park on yellow lines.

'Drivers can't be bothered walking their children a couple of extra metres.

'They have to park as close as they possibly can.”

Police will also target motorists who wait for the road patrol signs to be opened at school crossings, instead of stopping when they see children waiting to cross.

'There's so many idiots who say they didn't stop because there's no signs out, but that's because they can't get them out.”

'The law says it is a pedestrian crossing, they must stop. It's just another requirement.”