SASKATOON – With students ready to head back to the classroom Sept. 2, school zone speed limits are now in place for Saskatoon motorists.
Starting Sept. 1, the maximum speed limit through school zones is 30 km/h from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. There are no exceptions for statutory holidays or school breaks.
City officials say the lower limit is designed to give drivers more time to react and brake in an emergency and estimates it adds only 12 seconds to a trip by slowing to 30 km/h.
Fines for speeding in a school zone start at $140 plus two-dollars for each kilometre over the speed limit.
Drivers caught going more than 30 km/h over the limit will see their fine increase to four-dollars for each kilometer over the limit.
There is also a victim of crime surcharge and three SGI demerit points.
U-turns are also prohibited in schools zones.
School zone speed limits remain in place until June 30.
CAA Saskatchewan has some tips for drivers going though school zones:
- slow down
- always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students
- use designated drop-off and pick-up areas
- watch for children darting out from between parked cars, school buses
Along with those tips, CAA says parents and caregivers should teach children to stop, look both ways and listen before crossing the street.
The first day of public school for students is Tuesday, Sept. 2. Secondary students will attend for the full day for registration and their first day of classes. Elementary students will attend school in the morning for registration. The first full day of classes for elementary students is Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Saskatoon catholic schools also start on Sept. 2 and 3.
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