The Estevan Police Service (EPS) is issuing reminders to motorists now that summer vacation is coming to an end and the school year is about to begin.
Students will return to classes on Sept. 4, and Ladouceur said there will be more pedestrian traffic, especially before and after school.
Ladouceur said the EPS still receives reports of drivers who pass a school bus even though the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
“If you’re going to pass a bus that’s stopped with the lights flashing, expect that ticket,” said Ladouceur.
He referred to it as negligent and disrespectful.
The EPS will also ramp up enforcement for speed limits in school zones. The 30 kilometre per hour speed limit for school zones is in effect throughout the year, but the EPS places a greater emphasis on school zone speed limits once school resumes.
“They’ll be out there, looking for infractions and things like that, with a zero-tolerance approach,” said Ladouceur. “There’s just no room for error in school zones.”
It’s particularly important for motorists to slow down, especially early in the school year.
“Kids are anxious. They’re running back and forth. They haven’t seen some friends in a while, and they’re very unpredictable.”
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
