Kelowna RCMP On the Lookout as Schools Open Monday

No more ignoring school zones now that the strike is over.

RCMP want to remind the public to slow down for approximately 21,000 students who are going back to school on Monday in Kelowna. They say that even in areas that aren't school zones, drivers still need to slow down and watch for children walking from their neighbourhoods.

The 30km/h school zones are in effect 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Watch for crosswalks, be mindful of School Traffic Safety Patrollers, and make sure to stop when a school bus displays its stop sign and flashing red lights. Drivers going both directions must stop for school buses when they're displaying these signs.

West Kelowna residents are warned about construction on Westlake Road, which is a main route to the brand new Mar Jok Elementary School in Rose Valley. Those heading to Mar Jok can use the detour route via McDougall Road until Westlake Road fully opens in October. Pedestrians may use the McDougall Road or the pedestrian walkway from the Caledonia subdivision. There is also a new pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Rosewood Drive and Westlake Road.

There will also be a process for escorting children before and after school through the construction zone, set up by TT Contracting LTD, the Westlake Roa construction contractor. The escorts will meet students at the corner of Caledonia Way in the morning and Rosewood Drive in the afternoon.

The RCMP and speed watch volunteers will be carefully watching the school zones. Motorists are reminded that speeding in a school/playground zone can earn them a fine of $196-$253.