New guidelines aim to improve school zone traffic safety

The provincial government released a new guide today for municipalities and school administrators to improve traffic safety in school areas throughout the province.

With many students heading back to classrooms this week, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashtonsays hewants people to be safe. "We want to make sure that our kids get to and from school safely, and that's why we are releasing this comprehensive manual," said Ashton.

We want to make sure that our kids get to and from school safely- TransporationMinisterSteveAshton

The new guidelines include school zones, crossing guards, tool kits for educating drivers and students, and planning information for new schools. Ashton said they are intended to educate, rather than force compliance through new legislation."We shouldn't assume by the way that we can just rely on regulations, laws, even planning processes. You have to have a culture of safety."

Ashton said that the guidelines are intended to help any one from a municipality or school administration, including parent associations who may havesafety concerns,how to go through the processof developing and implementing improvements.

• Manitoba allows lower school zone speeds

Legislation for speed limits changed in 2014 and municipalities are now able to determine what measures to implement in their local jurisdictions. Ashton said theguidelines released today area starting point for any school area or municipality looking to improve safety in school areas.

• 120 new reduced-speed school zones coming to Winnipeg in 2015