Skip to content

School in session means time to slow down

West Shore RCMP are reminding drivers and pedestrians to pay heed to the rules of the road.
29994goldstreamGNG-KW-CrossingGuard
Crossing guard Linda Grantham makes sure all get to and from Ruth King elementary school in Langford safely. She has been on the job for eight years and says her goal everyday is to ‘keep these kids safe.’

School is back in session and the West Shore RCMP are reminding drivers and pedestrians to pay heed to the rules of the road.

School zones are now in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and set the speed limit at 30 km/h.

With children back in school, there is increased traffic on the roads. Autumn weather is also starting to play a role on the roads and again police are asking drivers to slow down and drive with caution in poor conditions.

"We're urging drivers just to give yourself that much more time to take it slow and get there safely," said Corp. Kathy Rochlitz, spokesperson for West Shore RCMP.

Pedestrians are asked to help by making sure they cross roads only at marked crosswalks, wear bright clothing on dull days and make sure to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

"All of those things will help just slow things down and help keep ourselves safe," Rochlitz said.

RCMP officers and Speed Watch volunteers will be out in school zones to enforce laws and encourage safety.

Drivers caught speeding in poor driving conditions can face a $167 fine. Speeding in a school zone can bring about a $196 fine for under 20 km/h over the limit. For speeds 21 km/h and more over the limit the fine is $238. A ticket of $138 can be issued for not giving right of way to pedestrians.

Pedestrians can be issued a $121 fine for not obeying traffic control directions or crossing guards.