Edmonton – The Alberta government says it will introduce new traffic rules for playground zones and change how some roads are used to reduce congestion.

The province is introducing Bill 32, the Enhancing Safety on Alberta Roads Act, into the legislature, which would amend the Traffic Safety Act and the Highways Development Protection Act.

Transportation Minister Ric McIver says the bill proposes granting the province the right to designate lanes for specific uses on provincial highways.

“In this growing modern province we are looking for opportunities to for High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, perhaps designed lanes. Maybe there are places where lanes for slower or faster moving vehicles may create greater safety, and we will be evaluating Alberta’s highway system to look for those opportunities,” explains McIver.

Alberta’s rapidly expanding economy has led to problems with clogged and slow-moving traffic, particularly in Fort McMurray, Calgary and Red Deer.

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If passed, the bill will also allow municipalities that currently post speed limits in playground areas to extend the hours. Right now, drivers in playground zones must slow down to 30 kilometers an hour between 8:30 a.m. and shortly after sunset.

“We think this is a good step because across the province different schools start at different times, different municipalities have asked for different standards, and we think the local decision making will allow for a more safe situation for Alberta’s children, not only coming and going from school but coming and going from playgrounds,” says McIver.

The legislation would not have a major impact impact in Edmonton. While there is a reduced speed limit in school zones in the city, there is no reduced speed limit in playground areas.

If the legislation is passed, the new rules for playground zones would begin at the start of the 2014/2015 school year.

“This will give municipalities the necessary time to consider the changes to the playground zones, to consult parents, consult students and make plans so that we can all be ready for the next school year,” says McIver.

The transportation minister is also hinting the province is reviewing distracted driving legislation, and is considering boosting penalties for offenders.

“Go to any corner with a traffic signal and look at the people that stop at the red light and see how many of them have their cell phones up to their ears, which they already know is against the law. I think that’ll tell you all you need to know about the fact that we need to increase the compliance level,” says McIver.

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With files from The Canadian Press

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