School zone speed limits take effect Sept. 1

While students aren’t due back in classes until Tuesday, the City of Saskatoon is warning drivers school zones will be active starting Friday morning.

The 30 km/h zones in front of schools will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday from Sept. 1 to June 30, including in front of the eight new schools across the city.

Four new school zones have been put in place in Evergreen, Rosewood, Stonebridge and Hampton Village — stretching between the public and Catholic schools to provide a safe crossing space for students.

Speeding violations in a school zone start at a $210 fine, but Saskatoon Police Insp. Brian Shalovelo said some motorists could be facing bigger penalties.

“Some of the speeds we were seeing (during enforcement) were well above the 50 km/h you’d typically expect in these areas, let alone the 30 km/h,” he said.

Drivers are also being reminded u-turns are banned in school zones, with fines starting at $90.

Violations can result in losing three SGI demerit points as well.

Shalovelo said police would be enforcing the zones throughout the school year, but everyone should slow down for one reason.

“Let’s make it safe for the kids.”

—With files from 650 CKOM’s Jay Thomas.