Effective Sept. 1, fines for speeding in school zones will double, according to Gander MHA and Minister of Government Services Kevin O’Brien.
“School zones are busy places during peak periods with any number of hazards for children,” Minister O’Brien said in a press release Monday. “Parents and school buses are dropping off or picking up children. Speeding is always dangerous but in school zones, in particular, motorists need to be vigilant and abide by the posted speed limit, helping to reduce the potential of a serious incident.”
Those caught speeding in schools can expect fines to range from a minimum $100 for a first offence up to a maximum of $1,500.
Minister of Education Darin King said, in the same press release, he hopes stiffer fines will curb the speeding in school zones.
“Speeding in school zones is completely unacceptable and we hope these higher fines will reinforce that fact,” said Minister King. “We often have young children crossing roads and it is up to motorists to drive cautiously, and to ensure the safety of our students.”
In Gander, a temporary speed bump has already been set up on Fraser Road in front of the town’s elementary school, Gander Academy, to discourage speeding through this zone.
“Speeding can be a deadly practice, and drivers should be cautious at all times in school zones,” said Minister O’Brien. “I remind drivers that you are in control, so please slow down.”
.jpg)
.jpg)
