A city committee voted Wednesday to lower speed limits on roadways around elementary schools in Edmonton, just in time for the school year to start in the fall.
The motion, put before Edmonton’s Transportation Committee Wednesday, passed quickly, and put plans in motion to change speed limits in Edmonton school zones near elementary schools 30 kilometres an hour.
The change is expected to be effective in September – and will be in effect during school hours, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
However, one councillor said there’s a chance the change alone won’t mean much if there isn’t widespread enforcement – research says there’s not much increased safety with school zones.
“People need to know if they don’t comply, they pay,” Councillor Bryan Anderson said.
Police said a major blitz is planned for the beginning of the school year, but admit officers can’t be everywhere, every day.
“We will have, but not all the time,” Deputy Chief Brian Simpson said. “We are not able to deliver on that based on our resource level.”
Police said tickets given for speeding in school zones can affect insurance, as those areas are considered to be high-risk.
“Penalties are going to be higher if you’re ripping through there,” Mayor Don Iveson said. “I have no sympathies for people who put kids in danger.”
The final decision rests with City Council, it’s expected to go before council soon – but is expected to pass easily.
The change will cost the city about $500,000, and will go into effect along with an education campaign.
With files from Serena Mah
