Elk Valley RCMP will start having an increased presence around Ecole Isabella Dicken Elementary in response to reckless driving in the area.
Officers will spend a few days each week patrolling the school zone and occasionally handling crosswalk duties.
RCMP officials said this comes after Principal Laura-Lee Phillips and other staff brought their concerns to police regarding drivers speeding through the area.
This is despite the 30 km/hr school zone speed limit being clearly posted.
“It has also been reported that impatient drivers will sometimes continue to drive or ride on bikes thru the crosswalk(s), even when a safety vested school official was holding up a stop sign and children were using the walkway,” said Elk Valley RCMP officials. “It is only by sheer luck that no child has been injured or worse by these reckless drivers.”
RCMP staff remind drivers and cyclists to monitor their speeds and remember that vehicles and bikes must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
“This ongoing project will continue into the new school year come September 2023. Other traffic-related projects are starting in both Elkford and Sparwood at the request of our stakeholders to ensure a stronger approach to traffic enforcement in our communities,” said Elk Valley RCMP. “Traffic complaints continue to be a leading driver over any other complaint made by the public in the Elk Valley area, which is consistent with most if not all detachments.”
