The City’s Enforcement Services reminds residents that school zones come back into effect on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

School zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on any school day. The maximum speed limit in these areas is 30 km/h. Playground zones remain in effect, the speed limit in a playground zone is 30 km/h, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and one hour after sunset.

Drivers are encouraged to exercise extra caution for pedestrians in and around school zones, residential areas, playgrounds, and any other spaces visited by children as students transition for a new school year. Drivers are further reminded that it is illegal to pass another vehicle that is moving in the same direction in either a school zone or playground zone during the times that these zones are in effect.

Some additional safety tips to be mindful of include:

  • Know and obey the 30 km/h speed limit in all school and playground zones.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop.
  • Allow for extra commuting time.
  • Pay extra attention at intersections or mid-block crosswalks, other vehicles may hide a pedestrian crossing the road.
  • Watch for the school safety patrol in their bright orange vests and always follow their direction. 
  • Use caution when backing out of parking stalls or driveways.
  • Watch for children between parked vehicles. They may dart onto the street without warning. 

Throughout September, Grande Prairie Enforcement Services places a focus on vehicles that are illegally parked or stopped in school zones. Parents, guardians and older students are encouraged to visit the school and become familiar with the drop-off zones, no parking zones, and no stopping zones. 

Common school zone parking offences observed include:

  • Parking within 5 metres of a crosswalk or intersection.
  • Parking in an area signed as no parking or no stopping zones.
  • Parking or encroaching on a sidewalk; and
  • Parking on the wrong side of the street (on a two-way street), commonly referred to as left wheels to the curb. 

The City of Grande Prairie wishes the community a safe and happy school year.