School District 23 Wants to See School Speed Zone Times Changed

In light of keeping our local children safe, the Central Okanagan School District is asking both local municipalities and the Ministry of Transportation (depending on jurisdiction) to alter the school speed zone times in the Valley.

School District 23 said they have requested the speed zone time for all schools to be changed from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., but to continue with the current 5:00 p.m. end time.

Chairperson of the Board of Education Moyra Baxter said there have been no particular issues of note that have prompted this request, rather the district has been made aware that children are often out and about before 8:00 a.m.

“Many of our students are on the road before eight o’clock, and we’re particularly worried about our elementary students,” said Baxter. “If the speed limit started at 7:30 a.m. that would make the drivers more aware that students could be on the sides of the roads or crossing the roads.”

The board has submitted a letter to the proper authorities and are currently awaiting a response.

Baxter also mentioned that the school board has requested that the fine and penalties for motorists that pass school buses with their stop signs out and lights flashing be at least doubled.

“At the moment, the fine is quite low compared to the seriousness of the offence and it’s much lower than many other provinces,” added Baxter.

In the province of British Columbia, first time offenders can be hit with a $167 fine for passing a school bus while they are flashing their lights.

In Prince Edward Island, offenders can pay up to $5,000, and in New Brunswick you can lose your drivers license.

Aside from seeking a school zone time change, School District 23 will also move forward with the purchase of three new school buses.

Baxter said the new buses will replace the aging ones and will be ordered shortly.

The three buses will cost around $478,145.00.