With students going back to class on Tuesday, drivers are being reminded to exercise caution in school zones.

Since Sept. 1, reduced school speed zone regulations have been in effect for weekdays from 7 a.m., until 5:30 p.m., using both traditional and photo enforcement. Restrictions will be stay in effect until the end of June.

“The return to school season is an exciting time for students, parents and educators,” said Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart in a press release last week. “In order to keep everyone safe during the school year, it is important to obey the limits in school zones and always watch for young children in all areas where students are present.”

To help drive the message home, the Winnipeg Police Service has released a new PSA video as part of its “Just Slow Down 2017” campaign.

“Remember children are our most precious resource and the seconds lost travelling at these lower speeds is nothing compared to the possible loss of even one life,” said the WPS in a press release last week.

Motorists are also being reminded that the Winnipeg Parking Authority will be enforcing its “Be Aware. Park with Care” campaign, launched in April to educate drivers about the parking rules around schools, fire lanes and designated spaces.

“Illegally parked vehicles during school pick up and drop offs create serious safety hazards for children and cause traffic delays,” said Ryan Arabsky, manager of regulation and compliance with the WPS. “As kids start to head back to school, we encourage everyone to be aware and park with care for everyone’s safety with the added bonus of avoiding a ticket.”

In May 2017, the WPA began to mail out tickets for parking violations related to school zones and fire lines. Since May 1, over 1,800 tickets and warnings were mailed out for violations around schools such as stopping or parking in a no stopping or no parking zone, parking in the wrong direction or parking on a boulevard.

“We would prefer drivers would abide by all signage and rules of the road so the WPA would not have to issue any tickets,” said Arabsky. “Remember, these spaces are saved for something and someone more important than your convenience.”

gdawkins@postmedia.com

Twitter: @SunGlenDawkins

STAY SAFE!

CAA Manitoba offered the following tips for safer school zones year-round:

- Scan the road ahead for school buses and school zone signs. Prepare to stop and adjust your speed whether you see kids or not.

- Wait for children to cross the street completely. Don’t inch forward or other cars will follow your lead.

- Stop at least five metres behind a school bus with red lights flashing. Don’t proceed until the bus’s stop sign is closed and the lights stop flashing.

- Pick a designated drop off and pick up spot that is easy, accessible, and away from traffic.

- Factor in extra time to get to your destination, as back to school brings increased traffic volumes on the roads.

— CAA Manitoba