School zone speed limit rules transitioning well

Medicine Hat Police Service say it’s been a fairly smooth transition over the past couple months to new school and playground zone times — but for drivers to remember the changes as the days grow shorter.

“I think the majority of people are remembering, and hopefully the ones that aren’t are few and far between,” said Sgt. Brent Bohrn, adding that the MHPS traffic unit hasn’t noticed speeding issues with the changes since Sept. 1 — nor have there been any complaints from the public saying people aren’t slowing down.

Before Sept. 1, the speed limit times varied based on whether an area was designated a school zone, playground zone, or dual school and playground zone. This was changed so that all these zones had speed limits in effect between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day, all year.

Police adopted a balanced approach of enforcing the zone changes, said Bohrn. “There were probably more warnings given than there would normally be, but it depends on the circumstances too,” he said, adding that times are now posted in every zone. And people need to keep the changes in mind as sunset happens earlier. “When it is dark, the 30 kilometre per hour can help you, if a child does run out you have less time to see them. If it gives you time to stop so you can avoid a collision,” said Bohrn.

There’s still many children out after sunset.

“Especially when the weather is still nice, like it has been lately ... especially in the fall you’ll still see kids out biking, scootering, walking,” said Bohrn, while there’s lots happening at schools in the evening.

“Whether it’s football practice, track and field ... there’s still lots of people around the schools in the evening, which this change obviously helps keep them safe too.”