As students prepare for a return to the classroom, the City of Penticton Bylaw Department and School District 67 is reminding drivers to take care when they are in school zones.
“Back to school is a time when students are excited about the year ahead and seeing friends again after a couple of months away from classes,” says Tina Mercier, the City’s head of bylaw enforcement. “And just like the students need to prepare, so do drivers. Starting Tuesday, the bylaw officers will resume parking and traffic enforcement around school zones, as they are back in effect and we ask that everyone be aware and slow down.”
“As we head back to school next week, please be extra cautious around school zones. Let’s all do our part to help keep our students safe,” says James Palanio, chair of School District 67.
A general reminder when school is in session:
- 30-km/h speed limits are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise posted.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, be alert.
- Vehicles approaching from both directions must stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.
- Watch for children especially near crosswalks and intersections.
- Always have your children enter or exit vehicle onto sidewalk side of car.
- Never allow children to cross mid-block.
- If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian, be prepared to stop.
“We’re going to have a highly visible presence during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up,” says Mercier. “We want to ensure that everyone is safe – students, teachers and the public. The message is simple: let’s slow down and make the return to classes a safe one.”