VPD ramps up traffic enforcement during back-to-school campaign

Vancouver police said they are stepping up enforcement around school zones and reminding road users to slow down and pay attention as children return for another year of school.

On Tuesday morning, VPD traffic officers were conducting enforcement near Jamieson Elementary, and plan to visit school zones throughout the city in the coming weeks to enforce speed limits and promote responsible road use.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said VPD Supt. Steve Eely. “It doesn’t matter if you’re on a bike, driving a car, or walking.”

The speed in school zones is limited to 30 km/h from 8 am to 5 pm on school days, and drivers can be fined $196 for disobeying the limit.

“With more than 600,000 students heading back to school or attending school for the first time, there will be an increase in young pedestrians on our roads, and their safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said BC Education Minister Rob Fleming “That’s why we are reminding people to be extra vigilant – drive carefully, responsibly, and free from distractions at all times.”

BC Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said September is one of the busiest times of year on the road, which means “every BC driver has a responsibility to help keep our kids, our roads, and our communities safe.”

Eely said drivers can accomplish this by “planning ahead, giving ourselves a little extra time, and avoiding distractions while on the road.”