With the beginning of a new school year, Kimberley RCMP want to remind drivers to be aware of students and school buses.
Kimberley RCMP Cpl. Chris Newel says police will be keeping an eye on school zones and areas around schools, as well as bus routes in the coming weeks.
Speeding fines increase in school zones. Where a normal find for going less than 21 k/hour over the posted limit in a normal zone is $138, it goes up to $196 for speeding in a school zone. If you are going more than 21 k over the limit, the fine goes up to $253.
However, there are only two actual school zones in Kimberley, where the required speed is 30 k/hour. Those are in front of McKim and Lindsay Park schools.
“Marysville is not a school zone,” Newel said. “The signs alert you that a school is there but the speed limit is 50 k.
“Halpin Street going up to Sekirk isn’t an official school zone either, the reasoning being that those students are old enough to watch for traffic. However, there are 30 k signs posted on the hill.”
Whether there is an official school zone in front of Marysville or not, Newel says police will be watching that area.
“We are getting reports of speeding, people are starting to pick up speed for the highway well before the 100 zone. We are looking at increasing enforcement in that area.”
Another area police will be monitoring is bus stops.
“We have had a problem with people passing when red lights are flashing, particularly on Highway 95A south of Marysville. I don’t know if people realize you have to stop in both directions.”
The fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $167. Failure to stop for a crossing guard is also $167.
Ultimately all these regulations are for the safety of children, Newel says.
He also reminds drivers that while the school zone speeds are for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday, September 3, schools will be letting kids out at noon, so bus and student traffic will be early that day.