A new school year starts next week and RCMP Traffic Services are reminding drivers to exercise caution in school zones.
With school back in session, speed limits in school zones are reduced on weekdays, during regular school attendance hours, to 30-km per hour.
Sgt. Rob Hawton of the Trail and Greater District RCMP, warned that speeding fines have increased in school and playground zones, from $196 to $253 and failing to stop for school buses, pedestrians, or failing to obey a school crossing guard will cost $167.
“We will be monitoring as well,” said Hawton. “The highway in Warfield near Webster School might get special attention”
The RCMP is also cautioning drivers that, if a vehicle is stopped in a school zone in front of you or in a lane next to you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian, so be careful and prepare to stop.
School buses will be back on the roads and vehicles approaching from both directions must stop when warning lights are flashing.
The police also have timely reminders for students and parents, as well, to increase safety for pedestrians.
Kids are cautioned to remove their headphones and put away their phones or other electronics when crossing the street so they can focus on the road and see, hear, and respond safely.
“Our expectation is that drivers will follow the law and obey posted limits, especially around school zones,” said Cpl. Robert McDonald, of the RCMP’s Traffic Services. “But we will be there for those drivers who can’t police themselves.”