WINNIPEG – With September just around the corner, drivers will have to keep an eye out for children heading to class.
They will have to watch their speed too. A new 30 kilometre per hour speed limit will take effect around 171 Winnipeg schools in September. Winnipeg police plan an enforcement campaign that could include officers on site or photo radar.
Reduced speed limits through school zones will be in place from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from the beginning September to the end of June.
The city is already putting up signs around Winnipeg.
“We expect all signs in place by the beginning of the school year,” said Luis Escobar, Winnipeg’s manager of transportation.
This is the first year for the reduced speeds. The city had hoped it would take effect last year however the province took longer than expected to pass the legislation.
School zones are one place photo radar vehicles can be parked. Manitoba Public Insurance says if you are caught going too fast you could face a fine of at lease $200 and two demerits.
“For motorists out there you need to slow down and pay attention,” said Brian Smiley with MPI. “You shouldn’t be in a big hurry when going through a school zone at any time.”
Hailey Umphress, a Grade 2 student, walks to school and is glad the speed is being reduced.
“Now that the signs are there I feel very safe because before I didn’t feel safe at all,” she said.
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