City Council has approved some proposed amendments to school zone speeds and times and new policy around playground zones which are expected to be in effect prior to the new school year on September 1st.

The speed limit of 30 km/h will remain throughout the whole year from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and new playground zones will also have the same reduced speed limit. Currently, school zones are only in effect from September through June from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. High schools will no longer be considered school zones with lower speed limits, but they will be designated as a “school area” where u-turns are still restricted.

All this still needs to be made official. The City says an amendment to the Traffic Bylaw will need to be presented to Council before the effective date is approved. New signs to identify the school and playground zones and an awareness campaign will advise everyone of the changes this fall.