Back to School means additional focus for School Zone traffic enforcement

While the 2020-21 School year looks very different that those of the past, with school set to resume tomorrow with a number orientation sessions scheduled, the need for motorists to be extra aware of School Zones returns.

With the return to School, motorists will want to make note of the school zones surrounding the city's schools and with that the Prince Rupert RCMP will no doubt be making its presence known in the school zones for the first few days, making for a reminder for those travelling through those areas to keep to the posted speed zones and be aware of students on their way to class.

Provincially the RCMP has launched an awareness campaign this week related to back to school and the need for motorists and pedestrians to be aware of each other.

School zones across the city have a 30 km/h speed zone every school day, the speed limitations in effect from 8 AM to 5 PM, while playground areas have 30/km/h speeds from dawn to dusk through the year.

Penalties for failure to observe the speed in school zone and other school related driving regulations range from 167 to 253 dollars.

Motorists should also be aware that it is illegal for a vehicle travelling in the same or opposite direction as a stopped school bus to pass when its red lights are flashing.

Vehicles may not pass until the red lights are turned off and the stop signal arm is down.

Yesterday SD 52 released some further background on the return to school plan for this month, you can review those notes here. 

As noted, Thursday and Friday are being used as an orientation period, with the first full day of classes in the new era for education set for a Monday start. 

A wider overview of Education for the Northwest can be explored here.