As of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, school and playground zones have become one single speed reduction zone with a 30 km/hour maximum speed limit from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The speed limit will be in effect year-round. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

School and playground zone harmonization takes effect in Lethbridge

Sep 5, 2023 | 4:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – School and playground zones in Lethbridge are officially one as many students in the city return to class.

In May 2023, Lethbridge City Council approved the harmonization of school and playground zones.

READ MORE: School and playground zones in Lethbridge to become one by September 2023

The decision means that as of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, school and playground zones have become one single speed reduction zone with a 30 km/hour maximum speed limit from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The speed limit will be in effect year-round, and new signs can be seen across Lethbridge.

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The change aligns Lethbridge with other municipalities in Alberta with existing Harmonized School and Playground Zones, including Coaldale, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and Edmonton.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge harmonizing playground and school zones

The harmonization of school and playground zones was included in the Transportation Safety Plan, approved by City Council in 2021.

Recently, the City of Lethbridge released details of other projects focused on improving road safety. Aside from the school and playground zone harmonization, officials said there have been improvements to intersections to make them more accessible to all residents.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge implementing changes to roads, infrastructure

Additionally, beginning September 15, the Residential Speed Limit Pilot project will start. It will see speed limits lowered to 40 km/hour in select neighbourhoods.

The first subdivision involved will be Paradise Canyon/The Canyons on the west side of Lethbridge.

READ MORE: Road safety in focus as part of Residential Speed Limit Pilot Project in Lethbridge

Meanwhile, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) said officers will be conducting enforcement at the start of the school year. The LPS will be watching for speeding and other infractions such as distracted driving, drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, parking violations and illegal U-turns.

The LPS has issued a reminder to drivers to avoid parking on or obstructing a crosswalk, and to not double park or park in alleys during student drop-off or pick-up times. Motorists should be aware of school buses, particularly when children are boarding or disembarking.

When walking to school, the LPS asks pedestrians to cross the street at corners or in marked crosswalks, avoid jaywalking, and obey other traffic safety rules of the road.

READ MORE: Year-round playground zones take effect in Lethbridge September 5, 2023

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