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City crews have finished installing the last of 407 playground zones in Edmonton — expanded speed restrictions that officials say will keep kids safer.

Crews installed signage for playground zones at St. Basil Elementary/Junior High School, 10210 115 Ave., and Spruce Avenue School, 11424 102 St., on Wednesday.

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Previously, certain school zones in Edmonton did not include the area in front of sports fields and play equipment, raising safety concerns. The new zones restrict speeds to 30 km/h in front of the school as well as playground areas between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.

There are now 407 such zones in the city, says a Wednesday news release.

“Extending the hours of the 30 km/h speed limit protects children who use school grounds on weekends and evenings, and provides additional awareness for those attending after-school activities,” Anna Dechamplain, the city’s acting branch manager for parks and roads services, said in the release.

Council voted in September 2017 to approve expanded playground zones, with the first conversions beginning Nov. 7.

Dechamplain said school zones have led to an average speed reduction of 12 km/h, a 41 per cent decrease in fatal and injury collisions, and a 71 per cent reduction in fatal and injury collisions involving “vulnerable road users.”

jwakefield@postmedia.com