Although the new school year has been underway for a while now, some drivers don't seem to have gotten the message to obey speed limits in school zones.
So Olds RCMP have been conducting what they call "traffic-related enforcement operations" throughout Olds and Bowden school zones, using laser and radar technology, as well as making themselves quite visible.
And they'll continue to do that, says Cpl. Courtney Harding.
That's because the stats have been scary.
During the first week of school, police issued 25 violation tickets, including several for "significant speeds" above the posted limit of 30 kilometres an hour (km/h) through a school zone.
In fact, in one case, a driver was charged for going 65 km/h through a school zone.
Harding says the police officer who clocked that speed saw the driver using a cellphone.
The officer tried to get that driver's attention, but to no avail. Police were finally able to stop the vehicle, at which time charges were laid for speeding and driving while distracted.
"Each school day, our members were doing stationary and roving traffic enforcement as well as being visible to remind motorists to slow down and pay attention," Harding says.
"Olds RCMP will continue with enforcement projects, and visibility in the school zones as the school year progresses and the public can expect to see further radar/laser speed and distracted driving operations in these zones."
