Confusion among some Airdrie drivers has prompted local Mounties to clarify school zone rules.

This past Sunday, the provincial government announced that classes would be cancelled until further notice amid concerns over COVID-19.

As of Monday, students have not been attending classes, which led to some discussion online as to whether school zones were still in effect or not.

Airdrie RCMP has provided some clarification, saying school speed zone reductions will not be in effect or enforced for the time being.

"As many of the school zones in Airdrie are located in residential areas, the posted speed limit in these areas will remain unchanged at 30 km/hr at all times," reminds Constable Tracy Hare.

School zones in Airdrie not located on a residential street include 1st Avenue near Ralph McCall and Our Lady Queen of Peace, as well as East Lake Blvd. near Bert Church High School.

There have been some online claims this week of drivers being tailgated for driving slow through these school zones.

"Like any situation, if you ever have a concern for your safety or there's a threat to your safety, you can always call police," Hare says. "But if they are calling 911 for assistance, it's important that they have some information about the other driver. So if the other driver does leave the scene then we can get a license plate, vehicle description, driver description, and so on so that we can follow up and address those concerns and that behaviour."

Hare adds playground zones will remain in effect as usual and will continue to be enforced.

"Playground zone restrictions are in effect everyday from 8:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset," says Hare. "A playground zone ends where a traffic sign indicates either a higher maximum speed or the end of playground zone sign. Drivers are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle while travelling in the same direction within a playground zone when the speed restriction is in effect."

Since Daylight Saving Time kicked in on Sunday, March 8, the sun has been setting at approximately 7:45 p.m.

 

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