Police warn drivers to slow down in school and playground zones

Students will be headed back to school on Tuesday, which means Calgary roads which are located near schools will be buzzing with activity.

With that in mind, school officials and police are asking drivers to slow down and pay attention.

Starting on September 1st, if you are traveling in a school zone there are some new rules to keep in mind, as school and playground zones in the city now operate on extended hours.

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Playground zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the year, while school zones are in effect from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on school days.

The city says slowing down from 50 kilometers to 30 kilometers an hour could increase a pedestrian’s chance of survival by 70 per cent. Officers have been warning drivers throughout the summer, but say if you’re caught speeding now you can expect a ticket.

“We educate in August to prepare people for the school year, so when school starts in September that’s when we’ll have our enforcement program,” says Staff Sergeant Dean Vegso, with the Calgary Police Service.