With our recent cold weather, Calgarians have been reminded that summer is over soon. For many students summer is already over as they headed back to the classrooms after a two month break. For drivers this means that school zones are now back in effect from 8:00am until 5:00pm on all school days with the exception of year round schools. Outside of Calgary city limits, school zones are in effect from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The speed limit in a school zone is the same as a playground zone at 30 km/h. The no-passing rule also applies in a school zone like it does in a playground zone.

We mentioned in our August 23 forum review a discussion thread debating whether or not playground zones are actually causing more harm for our children. Whichever side you are on, keeping your speed low (even below 30 km/h) in a school zone when it is really busy is highly recommended especially as we get closer to the winter months. While school zones are only in effect starting at 8:00am, there are some schools that start as early as 7:30am. In these situations it may not be the law to drive 30 km/h but you should DO THE RIGHT THING! (and slow down) ;)

The Calgary Police Service will be out in full force ensuring drivers are reducing their speeds. This year, the Alberta Sheriffs officers will also be assisting with school zone enforcements across the province. Also returning this year will be the AMA Safety Cone program at pedestrian crossings. Special bright yellow safety cones will be placed in the roadway to raise driver awareness of pedestrian crossings where school safety patrollers are. Additional cones will be placed to make the lanes narrower forcing drivers to slow down.