LOCAL drivers, including those dropping off or picking up children at schools, aren’t paying attention to speed limits or traffic signs at the schools, report Terrace RCMP.
“The no parking zones were put in place for the safety of children, yet parents put their own children at risk by insisting on disobeying the law and parking in these areas,” said Constable Angela Rabut in releasing the results of a January enforcement campaign last week.
Officers issued three tickets (at $167 each) for failing to stop for a stop sign, five tickets (at $40) each for parking in a no parking zone and seven speeding tickets (at fines ranging from $196 to $253).
“People need to slow down and park appropriately. It takes 15 minutes, more often less, to get to places in Terrace going at the speed limit,” said Rabut.
“Speeding through a school zone will shave 30 seconds, maybe a minute, off of your travel time. It really does not get you to your destination faster and it greatly impacts the safety of our children.”
Rabut said drivers dropping off or picking up children at schools would be far better off to plan a spot that is safe, legal and easy to get to.
“Walking a few hundred feet never hurt anybody. Unlike jaywalking and blind spots,” she said.
Rabut said drivers can expect RCMP officers to conduct more traffic law enforcement campaigns.
Digital speed indicators are up at two schools, Suwilaawks Community School and Ecole Mountainview, meaning drivers have a visual way of checking their speed then slow down, if necessary , to meet the 30 kilometre an hour limit that’s in force in school zones.
Those indicators were purchased through a provincial program.
It takes the proceeds from the sale of assets seized because of criminal activity.
Officials then apply for the money.