The Vancouver Police Department today kicked off a traffic enforcement campaign to target unsafe driving behaviour in and around school zones to help keep everyone safe. The VPD and its partners are reminding road users to slow down and pay attention.
“Today, more than 600,000 students are going back to school, or starting school for the first time, and our priority is to keep them safe,” said Minister of Education, Rob Fleming. “We can all do our part to keep our roads safe by putting down our phones, slowing down, and being aware of school zones.”
The VPD’s traffic enforcement officers will be at Shaughnessy Elementary and many other schools today, and over the next few weeks, to enforce speed limits and look for driving behaviour that put pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at risk.
“The start of school is an exciting time for both students and parents. The safety of children is our priority and our officers will be strict when they are enforcing the rules around school zones,” says Inspector Loris Zuccato, VPD. “We all have a role to play in keeping students safe as they travel to and from school.”
“Children, their parents and caregivers, as well as staff, mill about school areas every day. Please help keep everyone safe and heed posted traffic signs,” says Vancouver School Board Superintendent Suzanne Hoffman. “If you drive, consider parking a few blocks away from school and walk – it’s an active way to start and end the day!”
Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their child’s school’s drop-off procedures and obey the posted signs.
School zone speed limits are 30 km/h between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless otherwise posted. Fines for drivers caught speeding in school zones start at $196 and those using an electronic device can expect at least a $368 ticket.
