"So far, we haven't observed very many excessive speeds."
That's good news for students, parents and staff in and around local school zones from Lac La Biche County's Manager of Enforcement Services.
Chris Clark says that going into the first full week of classes at area schools, local motorists seem to have learned to keep speeds down. School in most area classrooms began mid-week on September 1, followed by a shortened week due to the Labour Day long weekend. Clark says the staggered start may have served as a good practice lesson for drivers — but cautions that those who haven't learned their lessons will face the consequences.
"Peace Officers are providing education as school returns — but that doesn’t mean we aren’t issuing tickets," Clark tells Lakeland This Week. "Drivers will be charged if they observe a vehicle that is traveling at a higher and unsafe speed. "
Lac La Biche County Community Peace officers have joined forces with local RCMP and regional Alberta Sheriffs for checkstop campaigns at area schools. Calling them "positive chekstops," the events are to provide safety awareness, including pamphlets on school bus safety and school zone stickers for pedestrians and motorists.
"We are watching for all offences," says Clark adding that pedestrians are also urged to obey the laws. "People in school areas must be safe while in both school and playground zones. They need to watch for vehicles while crossing the road, ensure they are using crosswalk areas and overall being safe."
While the starting weeks of the new school year draws a lot of attention, Clark said the focus on school zone safety is always a priority of peace officers throughout the school year.