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CALGARY – When you hop into your car on Monday – don’t forget that new school and playground zone hours will be in effect.

Starting on September 1st, motorists must slow down to 30km/h during these times:

Playground zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., every day of the year.

are in effect from every day of the year. School zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., on school days only.

The change comes after the city council members voted in favour of syncing school zones and playground zones back in July.

The City of Calgary talked to school boards, the Alberta Motor Association and other municipalities in Alberta before changing school and playground zone times.

They say the feedback they received suggested that having playground zones end ‘one hour after sunset’ made it difficult for drivers to follow the rules.

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The new times also take into account after-hours activities at schools such as community sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities.

“This change is really about improving safety in areas where we see high volumes of children,” say Staff Sergeant Paul Stacey, Calgary Police Service. “These new hours are reflective of the times we see schools and playgrounds being used, and are consistent and easy to remember for drivers.”

City crews have been working to change the times listed on almost 5,000 school and playground zone signs throughout the city.