(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Slow Down

Police to beef up traffic enforcement in school zones as students return next week

Sep 2, 2020 | 6:04 PM

While our focus may be centered on kids’ health inside the classroom as school returns on Tuesday, getting students to school poses its own set of risks, and traffic safety remains as important as ever.

In a media release Wednesday, the City of Prince Albert reminded drivers U-turns are prohibited in school zones. Meanwhile Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) Sgt. Brian Glynn told paNOW high-visibility patrols are planned in the areas from Tuesday to Friday next week.

Glynn asked the public to have patience and cautioned students who have haven’t seen their friends in months may not be paying attention to their surroundings.

“Just take a deep breath, take your time, and be aware that we’re going to have a bunch of excited kids, and we really need to watch our speed in those zones,” he explained.

With parents encouraged to drive their kids to and from school when possible, Glynn said there could be extra congestion around schools and his officers are ready.

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“There might be more traffic,” he said. “We’re going to be there to try to make sure that everyone can get there safely.”

Along with other traffic violations, police will be watching for U-turns which are banned in school zones.

The bylaw prohibiting them, passed by city council earlier this year, is in effect from September to June, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Violations carry a $100 fine.

Traffic safety on the council agenda

In other traffic safety news, city council will consider an amendment to the city’s traffic calming policy that could see more speed bumps and raised crosswalks installed around Prince Albert. That discussion is scheduled for an upcoming meeting.

Coun. Ted Zurakowski asked for the review of the policy at a July meeting after council approved a raised crosswalk near a Crescent Heights playground. The area where it was built did not meet criteria laid out in the policy, however council decided to grant an exemption.

While Zurakowski, said he didn’t disagree the raised crosswalk was needed at the busy location on Muzzy Drive, he questioned whether the policy had failed other neighbourhoods in the past.

“How many times have we denied the needs of the community because of this policy,” he asked.

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Alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom