Enforcement Services Sgt. Ross Gear says initial numbers show school zone ticket numbers are down from last year. 112 tickets were given out on the first day of school this year and 50 were given out on the second day. Gear says that despite multiple reminders, speeding in school zones is still an issue.
“The government puts out reminders, we put out reminders, media also put out reminders but sometimes people just forget that schools back in session. We’re out there to remind people that school is back and our children’s safety is number one.”
School zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Gear wants to remind drivers to follow the speed limit, pay attention and make sure they are really watching for children.
“Slow down and be prepared to stop because children are unpredictable. Kids are great but they are kids and they do silly things at times.”
2016 saw 408 tickets handed out in the first two days alone and more than 900 tickets were given out in the first two weeks of school last year. Gear says he expects the number of tickets given out to drop as the school year continues.
