Most school zones in Sylvan Lake will soon be changed to playground zones — a move Red Deer made some time ago.
“The intent of the proposed bylaw is to provide motorists and pedestrians with consistent and predictable hours that these zones are in effect, which should result in less confusion, and thereby improve the safety of pedestrians,” said town operations manager John Watson.
The speed limit will not change, staying constant at 30 km/h. What will change is the hours the zones will be in effect.
School zones will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days.
Playground zones will be in effect between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day.
A schoolyard with a playground apparatus will become a playground zone.
“By using the Red Deer model for changes to these zones, Sylvan Lake motorists have, or likely will develop, a geographical familiarity with the rules in school and playground zones on a regional basis,” said Watson.
Watson says new signage will be put in place before the school year begins Sept. 3.
A public hearing on the proposed changes to the bylaw is planned for July 22.