With school back in session this week, Burnaby RCMP will be out and about promoting traffic safety in school zones.
Officers with the detachment’s traffic services will be at schools around the city until Sept. 15, reminding drivers to slow down and encouraging kids to be safe on and around the roadway.
Mounties were at Forest Grove Elementary School Tuesday afternoon, rewarding kids with snazzy pencils and free McDonald's ice cream coupons (donated by local McDonald's franchisees Andy and Jas Bates) for practising traffic safety, such as properly using crosswalks, walking with friends or in groups and wearing bright, reflective clothing.
The officers also stopped speeding drivers and handed them a pamphlet featuring student art and a reminder that the speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour.
“This positive ticketing campaign is a great opportunity for our officers to speak with students about safety and have a positive interaction while reinforcing and encouraging safe choices around road and pedestrian safety,” Burnaby RCMP Staff Sgt. Thane Royce said in an emailed statement about the initiative. “As students head back to class, it’s an important time to encourage safe behaviour from all road users.”
ICBC is partnering with Burnaby RCMP on the campaign.
In Burnaby, school zone speed limits are in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday.
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