Kelowna RCMP Issues Over 400 Speeding Tickets in School Zones

As schools reopen for the new academic year on September 2, 2024, traffic regulations in Kelowna are once again in effect for school zones. The local Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have reported issuing more than 400 speeding tickets in these areas during the previous school year, emphasizing the importance of adhering to speed limits to ensure the safety of children.

Cpl. Allison Konsmo, a media relations officer with the Kelowna RCMP, highlighted the hours of enforcement. “For Kelowna and the Central Okanagan, the hours are from 07:30 to 17:00, and the speed limit is 30 kilometres per hour unless otherwise posted,” Konsmo stated. She further noted that some schools are adjacent to playgrounds, which adhere to playground rules that apply from dusk to dawn.

Drivers are reminded to remain vigilant and avoid distractions, particularly mobile phone use. “Children are very unpredictable and they don’t always know the rules of the road,” Konsmo added. She stressed that distractions can significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time in the event of a child unexpectedly entering the street.

Fines for speeding in school zones start at $196, a financial penalty that serves as a deterrent for reckless driving in areas where children are present. The City of Kelowna has also issued a reminder about ongoing construction projects affecting city streets.

Commuters are encouraged to plan their routes in advance and pay attention to construction signage to ensure the safety of all road users. “Planning a route and following construction signage helps keep everyone safe,” the city noted in a press release.

For updates on road closures and conditions, residents can visit kelowna.ca/roadreport. The return to school marks a critical time for community safety, and adherence to traffic regulations is essential for protecting the youngest members of the community.