POLICE have issued a warning to drivers about the speed limits in place around school buses after 15 motorists were detected speeding near Deloraine yesterday.

A spokesman said Deloraine Police were disappointed with the results of a traffic operation that involved a police officer travelled on a bus returning children home from school.

The police officer was equipped with a speed detection device.

"Only two bus stops were checked, however 15 drivers were detected and spoken to after speeding past the bus as it dropped off young children," the spokesman said.

"Speeds were well in excess of the 40km/h limit imposed by law.

"As the school year nears its end, police are concerned about safety around school buses as children are getting on and off, particularly around highways and open roads where the normal speed limits are much higher," he said.

"Members of the public are reminded that a 40km/h speed limit is imposed within 50 metres of any school bus when it is picking up or dropping off school children on the side of the road and has its orange lights flashing and a 40km/h sign displayed between them."

Police said yesterday's operation and other similar police operations were about modifying driver behaviour and making our roads safer.