NORTH BATTLEFORD - Battlefords RCMP and the City of North Battleford are reminding drivers to slow down and be careful around school zones with kids heading back to class.
"It's an exciting time for kids," said Battlefords RCMP Corporal Steve Bell."They're back to school, seeing their friends maybe they haven't seen all summer, maybe not paying attention like they should be. Drivers just need to take that extra caution, just kind of expect the unexpected from kids at this time of the year. Obey all the traffic, school zone speeds."
He added that the RCMP will be out on the roads reminding drivers.
"They need to be slowing down through the school zones, obeying all the signage that's up," Bell said. "Lots of schools have no parking. That's due to safety reasons, buses coming in and whatnot."
The City of North Battleford is asking drivers to be alert for students and slow down in all school zones and near children.
"Stop at least five metres from the front or rear of a school bus, displaying its safety lights and stop arm," the city said in its release.
Failing to stop will result in a $360 fine under the Traffic Safety Act.
The school zone speed is 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
"Speeding in school zones is a serious offence that can result in a fine of $300, with fines increasing for greater speed excesses," said the city.
Community Safety Officers (CSO) will be monitoring and patrolling school zones to ensure safety.
"The City of North Battleford Fire Department will also have a presence at all schools to remind drivers that school is back in session and to please slow down," the city stated.
If anyone sees an unsafe driver in a school zone, they can call the CSO Dispatch at 306-445-1775.
"Let's work together to make it safe for our children," the city said.
