**** RCMP Media Release
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment Prepares for Back-to-School: Increased Patrols in School Zones
As students across the region prepare to return to school, the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is taking proactive steps to ensure a safe transition for everyone. Our officers will be conducting additional patrols in school zones and increasing their presence at schools to promote road safety and protect our young learners.
Drivers are reminded to exercise extra caution when driving, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as school zones and bus stops. Reduced speed limits in school zones are in effect, and officers will be closely monitoring compliance to ensure that everyone, especially students, remains safe as they head back to class.
Inspector Cory Bushell, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, emphasized the importance of driver awareness during this critical time: “The safety of our students is a top priority. We urge all drivers to remain vigilant, slow down in school zones, and adhere to all road safety regulations. Let’s work together to ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year.”
We wish all students, teachers, and school staff a successful and safe school year. Our officers will continue to be out in the community, working to keep everyone safe.
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**** HRP Media Release
Back to school safety: Police remind motorists to drive with caution
With the start of the new school year, police ask that you do your part to keep streets safe for students as they head back to the classroom this week.
Students will be returning to school this week, and many will be busing, walking and riding their bikes to get there. With more people and vehicles on our roadways, motorists are asked to drive with caution and allow for additional time when travelling before, during and after school.
Keep in mind that the speed limit in school zones is reduced to 30 km/h in areas where the approaching limit is 50 km/h, when children are present. Where the approaching speed limit is higher than 50 km/h, drivers are required to reduce speed to a maximum of 50 km/h when children are present. By reducing your speed, you’ll have more time to react to the unexpected and avoid an incident. Slower is safer, as children are sometimes distracted and do not always notice oncoming traffic.
Remember that passing school buses in either direction when the red lights are flashing, regardless of the number of lanes of traffic, not only puts people in danger, but is illegal and carries substantial fines. Motorists must also slow down approaching a school bus with flashing amber lights and prepare to stop.
Please avoid shortcutting in and around school areas if possible. Obey posted signs as well as crossing guards’ directions, watch out for children crossing the street and remember that crosswalks are not always marked. Essentially, every intersection is a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked.
Our officers will be paying extra attention in school zones throughout the month of September to educate motorists, enforce motor vehicle regulations and ensure a safe start to the school year.
Visit Back to School Safety Tips for more info.
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**** HRP Media Release
HRP issue 150 tickets for speeding and speed related violations
Last week, Halifax Regional Police officers issued 150 tickets for speeding and speed related violations.
Community Response Officers (CROs) focused their efforts on road safety. Officers spent time particularly in the Dartmouth Road area in Bedford in relation to community concerns.
The fine for these speed violations range between $295.50 to $410.00. All come with a seven-day suspension upon conviction along with four points being placed against the driver’s license.
In a continued effort to address traffic safety issues and educate citizens on the rules of the road, our officers focus on speed enforcement. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. If you see someone driving dangerously, report it to police by calling 911.
