Summer has zipped by us and we are nearing the beginning of another school year, and that means sharing the roads and pathways with many young pedestrians and cyclists on their way to or from school.
And with another school year beginning, this is a great time to remind our community members to be aware of School Zones as well as Playground Zones while driving, and what the rules of the road are within these zones.
School Zone signs are in the shape of a house and generally accompanied by a 30 KM/H sign. This speed must be adhered to on school days, Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 5 pm.
Playground Zone signs are in the shape of a diamond and possibly accompanied by a 30 KM/H sign. You must comply with this maximum speed EVERY day of the week from dawn until dusk.
If the playground or school sign is by itself and doesn’t have the extra 30 KM/H tab, then the 50 KM/H speed limit may be assumed unless otherwise posted.
You know that a School or Playground Zone has ended when you see the back side of that same sign (same shape) on the opposite side of the road for the traffic facing you.
If you speed within a School or Playground Zone, not only do you risk the safety of the young pedestrians on the street, but the fine associated with the contravention begins at $196 and can increase to as much as $483 depending on how much over the speed limit you are going. As well, you will have three driver penalty points attached to your driver’s licence.
It is a steep fine to incur for unnecessary speed. Please think ahead and leave earlier for your destination. Stay focused and use extra caution around the school and playground zones. Normally, children are not thinking about looking in all directions for traffic and in their excitement, may not pay attention when crossing a road. Take the time to look out for them and keep them safe.
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