Langley RCMP are warning drivers to slow down to 30 km/h through playground and school zones after too many speeding vehicles have led to close calls lately.
One particular area of concern is the playground zone at Noel Booth Park on 36 Avenue in Brookswood, said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy.
“This 30 km/h zone is a full kilometre long, so it might be easy to think,’Oh, I must be through it by now,’ when in reality, you need to continue at 30 km/h until you see the back of the sign at the other end,” said Largy.
Speeders through that playground zone and the neighbouring school crosswalk have many parents and residents upset.
Michelle Connerty, who lives in the area, started a petition on Change.org for more police presence along 36 Avenue. She also wrote a letter to the mayor, council, Langley RCMP and the school board about the speeding taking place at Noel Booth Park.
Another area of concern for Langley RCMP is near the Langley Christian schools. They have had officers and volunteers spending some time doing both education and enforcement in the school zones on 48 Avenue.
“What most motorists don’t know is there are two school speed zones in the area, which are split apart by only 50 to 75 metres. So what happens is the driver thinks he has ‘cleared’ the school zone, when they are just about to enter into a second one.”
Volunteers from Langley RCMP Speed Watch have set up in the area to educate drivers on the speed and officers have attended to conduct enforcement.
Over a period of two days, police handed out more than 40 speeding tickets there.
Children from kindergarten through Grade 12 attend these two schools and can be near the roadway at any time throughout the day.
Langley RCMPshare these important driving laws:
• You are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within the zone, when the zone is in effect;
· The zone begins when you see the posted speed limit and sign;
· The zone ends when you see the back of the sign on the other side of the road.