School Zones

Dear Cop

With regard to the signs near schools which state that the speed is 30 km/h when children are on the highway I have three questions. What is the definition of children? What distance from this sign does the speed apply?
Does this apply at all times or only during the period from 8:00 AM to 5:00
PM, as in active school zones?

Kevin

Answer From Dear Cop

All school zone signs are posted on roadways in close proximity to a school area. Some school zone signs have the speed limit sign attached directly under the school zone sign indicating the speed limit in this school zone is 30 km/h from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on school days only.

You are required to slow before the sign and you must be traveling 30 km/h at the sign. The speed applies through the school zone. Some school zones have signs indicating that you are past the school zone and you may proceed to the posted speed limit for that stretch of roadway. If there is no such sign, look for the opposing school zone sign in the opposite direction and that is where the school zone ends and you may resume the regular speed for that stretch of roadway.

Certain school zones have signs indicating that you must slow to 30 km/h when children are present. These signs are located at elementary schools only. Common sense rules on the ages of any child on the side of the road when in these school zones.

Now, if you are approaching a school zone sign and there is no posted speed limit attached to the school zone sign, then you continue at the posted speed limit for that roadway.


Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment
350 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, B.C.
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