Recent changes to Prince Edward Island’s Highway Traffic Act will enable law enforcement agencies to levy appropriate fines for drivers who speed in school zones on the Island. The changes, which took effect in late 2008, define at what hours, and at what times of year, school zones are in effect.
“These changes will give law enforcement agencies the ability to issue double speeding fines in school zones, with a clear understanding of when school zone rules are in play,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. ”I am confident this change will help encourage Islanders to drive at appropriate speeds near schools.”
The change to section 176(2)(f) of the Highway Traffic Act now states that school zones are in effect Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., from September to June. It also states that the maximum speed in school zones is 60 km/h unless otherwise posted. The new definition complements changes made to the Highway Traffic Act in late 2007 which doubled speeding fines in school zones and construction sites.
“We welcome these changes which make the rules clearer for drivers and the streets safer for students,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan.