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VICTORIA – As part of government’s New Era commitment to make streets safer, the Motor Vehicle Act has been amended to expand school speed zone hours, Transportation Minister Judith Reid announced today.
“This is about protecting our children,” Reid said. “Many public schools provide extracurricular and community activities outside regular school hours, and may have playground or other recreational facilities that are used by students during summer daylight hours. We are acting to ensure communities can establish school speed zone hours that reflect their needs to ensure safety always comes first.”
The Motor Vehicle Act establishes the maximum speed and time periods allowed in all school zones. The current time limit, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. does not reflect today’s more intensive use of school facilities.
Amending the act means safer access for children and pedestrians on roadways while travelling to and from school facilities. This move recognizes the increased use of facilities located within school zones, whether for regular classes or for activities offered by community centres located in or near schools.
“B.C. school boards have been asking for flexibility in setting school speed zones since the early 1990s,” said B.C. School Trustees Association president Gordon Comeau. “With many schools operating on extended days and providing community access to facilities, the amendment gives local decision makers the ability to set appropriate speed zones based on the actual use of school facilities.”
“Our membership called for an extension of speed zones so we are pleased with this amendment,” said Terri Watson, president of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. “Parents can now work more effectively with their local governments to implement changes in their communities.”
The amendment is another example of government’s commitment to safer roads. This legislative amendment recognizes that children and other pedestrians are increasingly accessing school facilities beyond regular school hours, and enables municipalities to set school speed zones according to their own needs.
A Web page outlining the specific MVA amendments can be seen at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/legislation/mvb-amend.htm
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