Driving in a school zone? Police enforcing new speed limits

London police will be keeping close watch this week on school zones in the city with a new 40 km/h speed limit.

City council reduced the speed limits in school zones last year, but this is the first September the new maximum has been in place.

"We have officers out around the city and we will be focusing on school zones in particular, " said Sgt. Amanda Pfeffer of the London police traffic unit.

She said officers will also be watching for aggressive driving and anything else that interferes with pedestrian safety.

Safety advocates and some local politicians have expressed concern that many motorists have been ignoring  the new speed limit in school zones.

"I have seen cars whipping up and down pretty quickly," said Sara Thomson, president of the Thames Valley Council of Home and School Associations.

She lives in northwest London and said people tend to slow down when they see police officers or cruisers.  

"Everybody slows down as soon as they see a police car ... [but] speeding in my school zone is still quite a problem." 

That didn't surprise Pfeffer.

"Unfortunately, as with any area in the city of London, our motoring public does not show us 100 per cent compliance to the rules of the road."

Pfeffer said some drivers may not be aware that the speed limit has been lowered in many school zones.

"If you're unsure as to whether or not the school zone you're travelling through has a reduced speed limit, take the initiative and reduce your speed anyway."

Pedestrians rule at crossovers

Pfeffer said motorists should also be aware of the increasing number of pedestrian crossovers on city streets.

Unlike crosswalks, crossovers aren't typically located at an intersection. But they will take you across a busy street.

"What's important to remember about pedestrian crossovers is the pedestrian has the right away, so the onus is on the motorist to come to a complete stop if they see someone attempting to utilize a pedestrian crossover," Pfeffer said.

Pfeffer said the rules for school crossing guards are the same: Drivers cannot proceed through an intersection if the crossing guard is on the roadway.

She also reminded drivers to always stop for school buses when the 'stop arm' comes out with its flashing lights.

Failure to do so can result in fines ranging from $400 to $2,000.

Pfeffer said police hear from bus drivers on a daily basis about violations, and police do follow up with drivers.