Council discusses school zone time changes

Times Reporter  

 

Thanks to a fairly recent decision by the Alberta Government, municipalities can now determine the times for their school and playground zones. A number of municipalities have already made changes to their posted times, and it is something Councillor Brad Walls would like to see happen here. 

“I would like to suggest that we as well follow suit and modify ours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday on school days. Obviously with kids coming and going and so forth I think it would just be better for motorists if we just said 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday school days 30km an hour,” said Walls. 

“I would encourage us to consider that all schools and playgrounds become playground zones and they all be designated playground, and then there isn’t a conflict in regards to times, whether or not the school is in, whether or not the school’s not,” said Mayor Michael Ell.

Chief Administrative Officer Dwight Stanford said he had spoken to RCMP Staff Sgt. Kevin Reilly for input, and said that Reilly had suggested 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but had also stated he would be open to other suggestions.  

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure website it states that; the Motor Vehicle Act establishes the maximum speed and time periods allowed in all school zones. The current time limit, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. does not reflect today’s more intensive use of school facilities. 

The act has been amended which means providing safer access for children and pedestrians. It recognizes the increased use of facilities located in school zones, and allows for school speed zone hours to be extended where is warranted. 

No zone can commence later than 8 a.m., or end sooner than 5 p.m. 

School zones in Strathmore are currently set at 30km with posted hours of 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 1p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Administration was directed to bring back a recommendation to council.