Respect school zone limits

Aug 30, 2023

With the start of the school year fast approaching, the Edmundston Police Force and local schools are reaching out to parents and motorists to ensure a safe return to school.

For parents…

As parents, it’s essential to help our children become independent and responsible. Explain and show them the safest route from home to school and back. Have conversations about safety whether they walk, bike or take the bus to school.

Trust your children and school crossing guards. It’s unnecessary and, more importantly, unsafe to drive your child right to the school’s door! Schoolyards are reserved for buses and students. Less traffic means less chances of accidents.

For motorists…

School zones are delimited by yellow signs and flashing lights for all Edmundston schools. They’re easy to spot and should remind each and every one of us that there are children nearby.

• School zone speed limits are 30 km/h. The Motor Vehicle Act grants police officers the power to issue fines to motorists who speed in school zones.

• Pedestrian crossings and school crossing guards are also governed by the Motor Vehicle Act, which grants the power to fine for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, or for disobeying a signal from a school crossing guard.

• School buses are big and yellow, and they contain a precious cargo, our kids. Even if you are in a hurry or late, do not pass or go around a school bus. An accident can happen so quickly.

Note that all fines are doubled when one of these acts is committed in a school zone, plus losing skill points on one’s driver's license. Police will carry out operations in our various school zones to ensure the safety of students who take the school bus, bike or walk to school.

The Edmundston Police Force and Edmundston schools are asking for the cooperation of parents, students and motorists to ensure the safety of everyone in school zones.

Remember, in school zones… know your limits!

Have a safe & fun back to school!

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CONTACT: Tonia Roussel, Community Police Officer, Edmundston Police Force, 506.739.2100