Victoria, BC- A reminder that school zones are in effect next week saw a gathering of representatives at several levels of government, VicPD officers, volunteers and staff alongside members of the Greater Victoria School District community at a local school.
VicPD Chief Constable Del Manak, Minister of Education Rob Fleming and Greater Victoria School District Board Chair Jordan Watters all spoke at the gathering at the intersection of Princess Avenue and Cook Street, outside George Jay Elementary School this morning. Flanked by children from the Greater Victoria School District, each spoke to the importance of slowing down, leaving electronic devices out of reach and paying close attention as students return to schools.
They were joined by representatives from the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board, CUPE local 50, Saanich Council, Esquimalt Council and Acting Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto alongside VicPD Traffic officers, VicPD Speed Watch Volunteers, children and members of the SD 61 community including the George Jay Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee to mark the beginning of the back-to-school season with a powerful road safety reminder.
“I’m here with the Minister, the Acting Mayor and the School District Chair to remind all road users that kids are starting back to school next week. This means that school zones will be in effect. I’m asking us all to do our part,” Chief Manak said.
“My officers and our VicPD Speed Watch volunteers will be out conducting enforcement and education. That’s our part. We all need to slow down in these school zones and pay close attention so our parents, teachers, support staff and students can stay focused on learning, growing and thriving. That’s your part.”
The students then joined hands with the representatives from across our community and, under the watchful eye of our VicPD Traffic officers, demonstrated safe practice in crossing the street to school.
Fines for exceeding the 30km/hr school zone speed limit range from $196 – $253 alongside several penalty points.
School zones will be in effect 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days starting on September 3rd, 2019.