Saskatoon school zones resume over Labour Day long weekend

Starting on Monday school zones will go back into effect in Saskatoon, meaning drivers will have to slow down to 30 kilometres per hour in posted areas.

With a few days before the change, Saskatoon Police Staff Sergeant Patrick Barbar told 650 CKOM now is the time to adjust.

“Force yourself to see on your regular route where are those school zones and start slowing down early, just so when the day actually comes you won’t forget,” Barbar said.

He compared the change to the adjustment drivers have to make after the first snowfall of the year.

To help make the transition, police will be monitoring school zones more closely during Tuesday and Wednesday, the first two days of classes.

“We’re going to be in as many school zones as we can possibly be during those two days to make sure that people are following the rules and are aware of them,” Barbar explained.

It’s not just the speed limit that drivers need to follow. Barbar said u-turns are illegal in school zones and there are strict parking regulations.

“While you’re making a u-turn, your field of vision is compromised so it becomes a danger to children crossing the road,” he said. “We’re asking parents who are dropping off their kids don’t make a u-turn out of convenience sake.”

Barbar suggests driving around the block instead to avoid any issues.

With the excited crowds of students and their parents during the first few days of classes, Barbar said it might be best to walk to school, if possible, to avoid the traffic.