In a move to enhance student safety and reduce traffic-related risks during morning hours, start time for playground and school zone speed limits will shift from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m. starting immediately. This change aims to provide a safer environment for students arriving at school early and to accommodate staggered school start times across the city.
"With earlier start times becoming more common for students, we’ve recognized the need to adjust school zone speed limits to reflect these changes," said Russ Watts, Engineering Services Manager with The City. "By starting the reduced speed limits at 7 a.m., we ensure that drivers are adhering to lower speed thresholds when children are arriving at school, regardless of when their classes begin."
All but two school zones in Red Deer are also playground zones. Currently, playground zone speed limits are in effect from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and school zones are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days, but with many schools in the city starting at 8 a.m., students are traveling through these areas when speed limits are higher and that puts our students and drivers at greater risk.
"Safety is always our top priority," said Watts. "With more activities before school and with students travelling to school by different travel modes, we are recognizing that there are risks to vulnerable users not just at these sites, but on their way there as well."
Although the change will take effect immediately, there will be a grace period as City staff work to change signs and drivers adjust their routines. Enforcement will continue to monitor these locations and will exercise discretion until all speed signs have been changed reflecting the new time.
Drivers are encouraged to adjust their morning routines accordingly. Residents are also urged to report any observed violations using the RCMP non-emergency line at 403-406-2200.
For more information, please contact:
Community & Public Relations
The City of Red Deer