Stock photo courtesy of the RCMP

By Liam Verster

School Zones In Effect

Police remind people to slow down, be careful as school is back in session

Sep 3, 2024 | 9:16 AM

Kids have returned to class, and the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP reminds drivers to slow down in school zones.

School zone speed limits took effect this morning (Tuesday, Sept. 3), and the local RCMP said there would be increased officer presence around schools to make sure drivers are being safe and looking out for kids.

The 30 km/h school zones are in effect from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Vernon, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Armstrong and Enderby, on days when school is in session. Playground area speed limits of 30 km/h are in effect from dawn to dusk everyday, unless otherwise posted.

To ensure traffic moves steadily around schools, parents and guardians are advised to use drop off lanes and obey traffic direction in school parking lots; avoid double-parking; teach their children how to safely cross the road using a crosswalk; avoid rushing; and watch closely for children moving in and around vehicles in drop-off areas.

Police ask that students stay safe by always using a crosswalk or designated areas to cross roads; avoid distractions and pay attention to surroundings; make eye contact with drivers and wait for vehicles to stop before crossing the road; and to walk on sidewalks or, on streets where there are no sidewalks, stay well off the side of the road that faces traffic.

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Motorists are also reminded to plan ahead and leave earlier to account for slowdowns in school zones; to avoid distractions and pay attention to children in and around crosswalks, intersections and drop-off zones; be cautious of kids as they can be unpredictable; and to always stop for school busses when their red lights are flashing.

“It’s an exciting time and our roads are going to once again be busy with foot traffic, scooters, and bikes as kids in the area kick off a brand-new school year,” Superintendent Blake MacLeod, Officer in Charge of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said.

“Drivers, students, and parents; we all play an important part in making sure the back to school transition is a safe one.”