Safer school zones start with responsible drivers and Weyburn residents are asked to be more cautious as students return to class this week.
“The children are very excited to be going back and seeing their friends so they may be preoccupied walking or biking to school. We ask that everyone take extra care while driving in the community,” said Lisa Robertson, community safety officer for the Weyburn Police Service (WPS).
“Slow down, don’t be distracted and help the students be safe.”
Students will be returning to the classroom after schools closed in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic. To help motorists, the WPS and City of Weyburn are increasing visibility and accessibility in and around school and walking zones.
The WPS will have an increased presence around the community focusing on distracted driving and speeding. Police will also increase enforcement against drivers failing to obey stop signs, failing to obey crossing guards or failing to yield for pedestrians.
Motorists are reminded that all school zone speed limits in the City of Weyburn are 30 km/h, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Walking zones have also been established by the local school divisions, which will increase pedestrian traffic outside of school zones limits. The speed limit within city limits is 40 km/h, unless otherwise posted.
This summer, the City of Weyburn has been increasing pedestrian accessibility, including new sidewalks, removal of trip hazards and installation of pedestrian ramps around the city. Line painting of crosswalks and new pedestrian crossing lights will be installed along Coteau Avenue by the end of fall.
Parents and guardians can also teach children school zone safety such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using crosswalks and paying attention to their surroundings.
Getting children to and from school safely is everyone’s responsibility. The City of Weyburn encourages motorists, students and police to work together to make school zones in our community safer to ensure a safe start to the school year.
