With a focus on ensuring the safety of children, fines
for speeding in school zones will double effective September 1. The
Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Government Services, announced
details of a new campaign designed to raise awareness of the fine
increases.
"School zones are busy places during peak periods with
any number of hazards for children," said Minister O'Brien. "Parents
and school buses are dropping off or picking up children. Speeding is
always dangerous but in school zones, in particular, motorists need to
be vigilant and abide by the posted speed limit, helping to reduce the
potential of a serious incident."
Fines will now range from a minimum $100 for a first
offence up to a maximum of $1,500. A brochure will be mailed out to all
households and print ads have been placed in newspapers across the
province starting tomorrow to help raise awareness of these fine
increases.
The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, says
he hopes stiffer fines will curb the speeding in school zones.
"Speeding in school zones is completely unacceptable
and we hope these higher fines will reinforce that fact," said Minister
King. "We often have young children crossing roads and it is up to
motorists to drive cautiously, and to ensure the safety of our
students."
Speeding creates the potential for serious injury to
children in school zones. Children do not always look both ways before
crossing the street or they may dart into the road without realizing the
danger of doing so. By speeding, drivers may not be able to react
quickly enough in one of these situations. Drivers need to slow down and
devote their full attention to what is happening in these busy zones.
"Speeding can be a deadly practice and drivers should
be cautious at all times in school zones," said Minister O'Brien. "I
remind drivers that You Are in Control, so please slow
down."
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