By Nigel Maxwell

School safety

Police crack down on school zone speedsters

Feb 5, 2019 | 5:34 PM

The Prince Albert Police Service issued 58 speeding tickets last month related to school zones, nearly three times the number issued for the same month last year.

Sgt. Terry Epp, who is in charge of the traffic division, told paNOW the increase has more to do with increased enforcement, as opposed to bad drivers.

“We have more members dedicated to traffic safety compared to January, 2018. As a result, we are able to spend more time in different school zones throughout the city,” he said.

The topic of school zone safety is a popular one at city council and was last raised during a November meeting. Several councilors expressed the opinion there should be more action to reduce speeding drivers. Ward eight councilor and teacher Ted Zurakowski said he believes more education is needed.

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“When was the last time [the people who drive in those areas] received an information session about speeding in the school zones? The signs that we have out there, how many of them are blocked by bushes?” he said.

Zurakowski said one solution is investing in infrastructure, such as the shaping of the roads and the curbs. He explained this would help the driver become more aware of their surroundings when they are driving through a school zone.

“Enforcement is part of the solution but I think there are some other strategies we can address,” he said.

A report, which looks at ways to improve the environment around schools including the cost of a raised crosswalk for all schools, remains with the city’s planning advisory committee.

Kiley Bear, a spokesperson for the city, told paNOW traffic calming will be considered at the next Planning Advisory Committee meeting as soon as it is scheduled.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @nigelmaxwell