RCMP enforcing 30 km/h in school zones

With students heading back to the classroom, the 30 km/h speed limit in the city's school zones is in effect.

While the public schools open on Thursday, the city's Catholic and Christian schools are now open.

The pandemic has added a wrinkle, RCMP noted, as the starts and ends of days will vary for students depending on their learning groups.

It means students will be crossing streets at unconventional times so RCMP are asking drivers to be extra vigilant when travelling in school zones.

"It's been six months since many of our children have seen their friends" said Cpl. Craig Douglass. "They will be distracted by excitement. As drivers and guardians, it's our responsibility to ensure that they remain safe."

The 30 km/h limit for school zones is in place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, unless otherwise posted. Fines begin at $196 and rise significantly with the driver's speed.

Also, drivers heading in either direction are prohibited from passing a school bus when its red alternating lights are flashing. They must stop and wait for the students to load and unload from the bus before resuming their drive.

The fine for failing to stop for a school Bus is $167 as is that for failing to obey a crossing guard.

Tips for Students:

- Use designated crossing points and follow crossing signals where available;

- Remove headphones from music players and put down the cell phone when crossing the road;

- When crossing major roads, make sure that all lanes of traffic have stopped before walking

across. Often drivers in the middle lanes don't see pedestrians;

- Make eye contact with the drivers before stepping out onto crosswalks;

- Dress to be seen - daylight hours are decreasing, so wear brighter colours or reflective

material whenever possible;

- Walk on the sidewalk, or if unavailable, walk on the side of the road facing the traffic;

- Walk on well-lit routes with less traffic;

- Always be aware of your surroundings.

Tips for Drivers:

- Plan ahead, leave earlier to allow yourself extra time through school zones;

- Be alert to children near or around crosswalks and intersections;

- If a vehicle in a different lane slows or stops in front of you, slow down or stop and ensure that

no one is on the crosswalk before proceeding;

- Always yield to pedestrians at intersections or designated crosswalks;

When dropping off children in a school zone, ensure you do so in a safe place where the children

can exit onto a side walk. Please don't stop in the travel portion of the road and hurry your children

out.