Burnaby becomes first city in Metro Vancouver to expand 30 km/hr school zone hours

Mar 12 2021, 6:43 pm

The hours for slower speeds within established school zones in Burnaby have now been extended by six hours.

Previously, the 30 km/hr school zones were set between 8 am to 5 pm, but they have now been expanded earlier and later from 7 pm to 10 pm. School zones are in effect on weekdays when schools are in session.

Burnaby is now the first city in the region to expand school zone hours. In 2020, Vancouver approved 24/7 reduced speed limits in school zones and near playgrounds, but this policy has yet to be enacted.

“This is about protecting our children and building a community where walking is an easy and safe choice,” said Mayor Mike Hurley in a statement.

“As Burnaby moves to make streets safer for students and families, we also encourage the Provincial government to consider a BC-wide approach to traffic calming measures around parks and school zones.”

City crews will replace about 600 signs across Burnaby to reflect the expanded school hours.

Additionally, about 200 speed humps will be installed near 36 schools and 36 parks, with an aim to have all humps installed by 2026.

“This expansion of school zone hours and adding more speed humps by schools and parks makes roads safer where children learn and play,” said Jen Mezei, the chair of the Burnaby Board of Education.

“It also recognizes that schools are the heart of a community, and our buildings and grounds are used earlier in the morning and into the evening for classes and activities.”

Enforcement and issuing tickets to violators by the Burnaby RCMP will begin in April 2021. Over the next few weeks, the municipal government and police will focus on educating and warning motorists.

Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

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