Prince George, B.C.- It’s that time of the year again.   While School District 57 classes resume tomorrow,   private schools ,  the college and the University   are welcoming students back  to class today.

“Police will be enhancing enforcement in school zones and crosswalks this month” states Cpl. Corey Eggen, in charge of the Prince George RCMP’s Municipal Traffic Services Section. “Our priority must be protecting our children on their way to and from school.”

At this time of year children are most at risk of injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus and motor vehicle collisions. With many more children on the road each morning & afternoon, and with less and less daylight hours, RCMP  in Prince George are asking the driving public to adjust their driving habits and be vigilant.

 School Zones

School Zones are in effect from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on all school days and the speed limit for School Zones is 30 km/h, unless otherwise posted. Fines begin at $196 and rise significantly with the driver’s speed. The cost of injuring a child would be far more severe, so please slow down.

School Buses & Crossing Guards

With school back in session, so too are school buses and crossing guards. According to provincial law, it is prohibited to overtake (pass) a school bus that is displaying red alternating lights. Drivers IN BOTH DIRECTIONS must stop and wait for the bus driver to load or offload children AND disengage the signal lights, before proceeding. Only then is it safe to proceed. School bus drivers are aware that you are being patient and often give drivers the opportunity to pass when it is safe to do so. The fine for Failing to Stop for a School Bus is $167.   Similarly, the fine for Failing to Obey a School Guard or School Patrol is also $167.

Enforcement Action

Throughout the month of September, both volunteers and police officers will be out in school zones reminding the public to slow down.   The  Citizens Patrol volunteers will be in school zones with speed watch signs displaying vehicle speeds and reminding drivers to slow down. The Prince George RCMP Traffic Services Section will also be out in school zones AND near-by pedestrian crosswalks enforcing traffic laws. Failing to stop for a pedestrian at an intersection is a $167 fine.