With the resumption of school this week, Airdrie RCMP will be working with Airdrie Municipal Enforcement to enhance their presence and promote road safety in local school zones.
"Sept. 1 represents the first day back in school for Airdrie students," stated an Aug. 31 press release from Airdrie RCMP. "School days bring congestion – school buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work.
"It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school."
Motorists may experience more traffic starting Sept. 1, especially near schools. Airdrie RCMP and Airdrie Municipal Enforcement will be increasing patrols in these areas to ensure safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
Airdrie RCMP and Municipal Enforcement want to remind motorists that school zones have a speed limit of 30 kilometres an hour, which will be strictly enforced as of Sept. 1. They also remind that u-turns are prohibited in school zones and that stopping in the middle of the street to let children out of your vehicle is also illegal.
For those who fail to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, a fine of $810 could potentially be issued, according to the press release, under the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation
Other possible fines associated with the back-to-school season include parking within five metres of a stop sign, which RCMP state carries a fine of $81. Distracted drivers, meanwhile, can be slapped with a $300 under the Traffic Safety Act.
To alleviate traffic congestion near school zones, RCMP recommend parking a distance away from the schools and walking to the building via sidewalks or pathways."Please slow down, take your time and drive with caution," the release states. "Lets all work together to ensure our children get to school safely."
