The Delta Police Traffic Unit has had a busy back to school morning.
On Thursday as students across the district began a staggered return to their respective school classrooms, DPD officers were out providing extra traffic enforcement in school zones.
According to the DPD Traffic Unit Twitter feed, one officer served a driver a violation ticket in the school zone at Annieville Elementary. The driver was going 60km/hr, which is double the speed limit.
“While enforcing a North Delta school zone today, a DPD traffic member stopped a vehicle to remind them of the 30km/hr school zone. Not only was the driver speeding in a school zone, but was unable to produce a driver's licence, and was impaired by drugs,” said DPD. “It is a busy and fast day on Delta roads today. Leading up to Heath Elementary, the posted speed is 50km/hr (which then turns into the 30 km school zone). DPD traffic just served a ticket to a driver driving 96 km/hr in the 50.”
DPD is reminding the public that police will have an enhanced presence in school zones the remainder of the school year.
“A number of schools have staggered starts and schedules due to COVID-19, which means that children and youth may be walking and biking to schools at different times,” said Insp. Ryan Hall, head of the DPD Community Support Section. “Additionally, we know that COVID-19 has created new stresses for children and parents. And that means drivers really need to do their part, to be aware and slow down whenever they are in or nearing a school zone.”
Parents who drop off children should be aware of potential distractions, and are reminded of the importance of keeping their focus on the road.
“In these first weeks as children adjust to the new schedule they’re going to have a lot on their minds,” added Hall. “Drivers need to pay full attention to the roads, and to their speeds.”
DPD will have an overt presence at various schools and various times during the first few weeks, with traffic, patrol and school liaison officers all taking part in enforcement efforts. In subsequent weeks DPD is asking drivers to keep in mind that traffic unit officers often drive unmarked vehicles, and will continue to keep a close eye on speeds and distracted drivers in school zones.
