School zone speed limits go back into effect Tuesday, Sept. 3 as kids return to class. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

slow down

‘Enforcement throughout the city:’ Nanaimo police point to parents as worst school zone offenders

Sep 3, 2024 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — The people who should be most aware of when school zones are in effect, are apparently some of the worst offenders according to local Mounties.

Children return to schools on Tuesday, Sept. 3 for a partial day, with most kids attending for an hour or two conducting orientation before being split into their class groups later in the week.

Despite the short day, the 30 kilometre per hour school zones return from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day class is in session, meaning drivers need to slow down.

“The worst offenders of speeding in school zones are often parents,” Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said. “Once they’ve dropped their precious cargo off at the schools, then their day gets going and they forget they’re still in a school zone and speeds are reduced.”

He said officers will be targeting school zones around Nanaimo with “enforcement throughout the city” of the 30 kilometre per hour limit.

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O’Brien said parents not only need to be checking their own behaviour, but ensuring they pass on good lessons to their children.

Kids need to know how to safely walk to or from their school without endangering themselves or others.

“A lot of it falls on the parents to reinforce and give positive messaging with the kids. And for kids, they can only cross at crosswalk, make sure the backpacks are fit and snug, and they’ve got their head on a swivel.”

O’Brien added school-aged bikers should be familiar with road rules, including what side of the street they should be biking on, and appropriate hand signals.

Police also recommend, where possible, kids walk or ride to school in groups to ensure they’re more visible.

So-called ‘bike gangs’ have been reported across the city and forced recent investment in bike shelters and lockups at schools.

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