Photo Courtesy City of Grande Prairie

By Tanner Smith

Enforcement Services

Grande Prairie school zones back in effect

Sep 3, 2024 | 6:35 AM

Grande Prairie Enforcement Services is reminding drivers that school zones are now back in effect.

Mayor Jackie Clayton said in a release; “As our students head back to school, the safety of our community’s children is our top priority. I urge every driver to exercise caution and remain vigilant in school zones and playground areas.”

Throughout this month Enforcement Services will be patrolling school zones, with a focus on illegally parked or stopped vehicles.

GPES says drivers should use extra caution when in school zones, along with residential areas, playground zones, or any other areas kids frequent.

School zones will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, while playground zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. till one hour after sundown. Both have a speed limit of 30km/h.

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In the same release, Enforcement Services also shared a list of safety tips for motorists, and common school zone parking offences.

Safety Tips:

• Know and obey the 30 km/h speed limit in all school and playground zones.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop.
• Pay extra attention at intersections or mid-block crosswalks as other vehicles may hide a pedestrian crossing the road.
• Watch for the school safety patrollers in their bright vests and always follow their directions.
• Use caution when backing out of parking stalls or driveways.
• Watch for children between parked vehicles as they may dart onto the street without warning.

Common School Zone Offences:

• Parking within five metres of a crosswalk or intersection;
• Parking in an area signed as no parking or no stopping;
• Parking or encroaching on a sidewalk; and
• Parking on the wrong side of the street (on a two-way street), commonly referred to as left wheels to curb.

Anyone wanting more information about Enforcement Services initiatives in Grande Prairie can visit their website.