More than half of primary school children are now travelling to school with their parents or another adult, new nationwide research shows, as Far North Queensland children prepare to return from next Tuesday (January 28).

In stark contrast to previous generations, when close to 70 per cent would walk, bike or scoot by themselves, about 56 per cent of children do not do that anymore.

On top of that, only 37 per cent of parents are now giving permission for their kids to travel to school either unaccompanied or with other kids, according to the study commissioned by insurer AAMI. 

About 78 per cent of parents cite safety concerns, with more than 60 per cent worried about drivers not paying attention.

The Australian Road Safety Foundation is warning drivers to stick to speed limits in school zones, slow down and keep a lookout for children crossing roads. 

ARSF chair Russell White called on drivers to stay attentive around school crossings.

"Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe,” Mr White said.

 "Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times.”

The research also revealed one in four drivers admit to speeding through school zones because they do not notice signs, according to the study, but most parents blame other drivers for school zone danger. 

And 12 per cent of drivers do not always follow school “drop and go” zone rules, 12 per cent said they were distracted by their phone while driving or queuing in a school drop-off zone,  and 11 per cent have double parked or stopped in the middle of the road in front of their children's school. 

 More than a quarter of drivers were also confused about school zone speed limits and times, while 22 per cent of parents were confused about their children's school "drop and go" zone rules.  

The research was done in November through a national survey of 1000 adults.

The “spectacular” Wangetti Trail will still be going ahead under the new State Government, Tourist Minister Andrew Powell says.

Mr Powell made the commitment this week about the $47m trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas following a meeting in Cairns to discuss the plans.

“I give this commitment - we will deliver the Wangetti Trail and it will be spectacular,” Mr Powell said.

He said works on the existing 7.8km had been delayed by the wet season, but would resume after that finished.