Lead-footed drivers got a lesson on the cost of speeding as schools reopened.
Red Deer RCMP handed out 140 speeding tickets and 27 other violation notices during its back-to-school safety blitz this week.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a big increase in speeding offences this year,” said Sgt. Michael Zufferli, with the Red Deer RCMP traffic unit.
“People are indicating that they have become used to schools being closed due to COVID-19. However, it is important that drivers understand most school zones are, in fact, playground zones, which require a 30 km/h speed limit until 9 p.m., seven days a week.”
RCMP are also reminding students and other pedestrians to use crosswalks and traffic control devices when crossing streets.
Police are asking parents to coach their kids about traffic and pedestrian safety and encourage pedestrians and drivers alike to stay off mobile devices.
“The RCMP presence around schools serves as a reminder to drivers to follow posted speed limits and pay attention to the road, and that we are actively targeting this risky behaviour,” said Zufferli.