With the school year starting Tuesday, West Shore RCMP are reminding drivers that they could face steep fines if they don’t slow down in school zones.
There will be increased police presence outside of schools to enforce speed limits and to make sure drivers are obeying school crossing guards.
“(Police) are pretty excited about catching speeders, especially in the school zone,” RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Max Fossum said. “So they’ll be in full force on that.”
School zones are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. During those hours drivers must keep to 30 kilometres per hour within marked school zones.
Speeders face a fine of $196 for driving up to 20 km/h over the speed limit. Drivers going more than 20 km/h over the limit will face a fine of $253. Speeders will also receive points on their licence.
There is also a fine of $167 for not obeying flag people or crossing guards.
Fossum said it’s important for parents to talk to their children about paying attention when near roads around schools. He said it can be dangerous to be texting or talking on a cell phone while crossing the road.
BCAA reports children are up to one-third more likely to get struck by a vehicle while crossing the street if they are using a cell phone.
kwells@goldstreamgazette.com