Edmonton panel backs 30 km/h school zones

EDMONTON — For the first time in 40 years, drivers will likely be required to take their foot off the gas around Edmonton schools when children return to class in September.

Council’s transportation committee unanimously backed a recommendation Wednesday to cut the speed limit to 30 km/h at schools with elementary grades.

“Edmontonians need to slowdown in general, and they really need to slow down around schools,” said Mayor Don Iveson, who has long supported the change.

“I have a five-year-old starting school this fall, so I take a personal interest in his safety.”

Maximum neighbourhood speeds are now 40 km/h or 50 km/h.

The lower limits will be in force from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on local and collector roads, but not for schools facing busier arterial routes.

Edmonton is one of the few North American centres without school zones, which were eliminated in the 1970s.

Studies in 1996, 2000 and 2005 showed they weren’t needed, and an April report indicated congestion and low-speed traffic offences are the main problems.

But Coun. Bev Esslinger said people consistently list traffic issues as their priority.

She hopes more students will now walk to class because the trip is safer.

“Citizens have changed their attitude. … Times have changed.”

Installing new maximum-speed signs at approximately 200 schools and a campaign to publicize the changes starting in mid-August will cost about $500,000.

Officials will consider whether to expand the program to junior and senior high schools, and playground zones, after trying the system for a year.

Photo radar will be put out to catch violators, although for the first month warnings will be given.

Police will also enforce the rules, although they won’t be out all the time, deputy police chief Brian Simpson said.

Traffic safety is a major issue, he said. “I think the community does want change, but it’s a cultural issue. It’s jaywalking, it’s walking in between cars, it’s doing a U-turn in a school zone,” he said.

“We’re a busy world … but people forget the consequences of their actions.”

However, Coun. Brian Anderson isn’t convinced the limit — which must still be approved by city council — will have the desired effect.

There’s so much congestion around many schools drivers can barely travel at 10 km/h, and often park a distance away, he said.

He’s waiting for traffic statistics that will be provided following the 2015-16 school year to see what the impact has been.