Saint John police launch back-to-school safety campaign

Expect to see more police than usual in school zones and along bus routes.

Saint John police are conducting a back-to-school safety campaign this week.

Officers will be targeting offences that endanger students, pedestrians and drivers.

“With the excitement of children going back to school is it incumbent upon drivers to be vigilant and aware of road safety,” police said in a news release.

According to a 2019 poll from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), nearly a quarter of drivers reported witnessing a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child.

The top three unsafe motorist behaviours seen in Canadian school zones at the time were speeding, illegal parking/stopping, and distracted driving.

Most fine amounts are doubled in school zones and for overtaking a school bus with flashing red lights.

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, the speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour within municipalities and 50 kilometres per hour in all other locations, unless otherwise posted.

School zone speed limits are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days when school is in session.