School zones come into effect on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 and the Enforcement Services encourages drivers to use extra caution during the transition to the school year. Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians in school zones, residential areas, near playgrounds, or any other place frequented by children.
When it comes to moving traffic violations, some safety tips for motorists to keep in mind include:
- Know and obey the 30 km/h speed limit in all school and playground zones.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Pay extra attention at intersections or mid-block crosswalks as other vehicles may hide a pedestrian crossing the road.
- Watch for the school safety patrollers in their bright vests and always follow their direction.
- Use caution when backing out of parking stalls or driveways.
- Watch for children between parked vehicles as they may dart onto the street without warning.
School zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on any school day. The maximum speed limit in these areas is 30 km/h. The speed limit in a playground zone is 30 km/h between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and one hour after sunset.
It is also illegal to pass another vehicle that is moving in the same direction in either a school zone or playground zone during the times that these zones are in effect.
Throughout the month of September, Enforcement Services also places a focus on vehicles that are illegally parked or stopped in school zones. Parents and older students are encouraged to visit the school and become familiar with the drop-off zones, no parking zones, and no stopping zones.
Common school zone parking offences observed include:
- Parking within five metres of a crosswalk or intersection;
- Parking in an area signed as no parking or no stopping;
- Parking or encroaching on a sidewalk; and
- Parking on the wrong side of the street (on a two-way street), commonly referred to as left wheels to curb.
Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie