Playgrounds and school parks are busy places where children are at risk of running into the roadway, unaware of traffic.

This amendment, which comes into effect June 1, gives municipalities the authority to create bylaws that meet the unique needs of their communities. For example, municipalities may choose to harmonize the time periods for both playground zones and school zones, increasing consistency and clarity for drivers.

“The Government of Alberta is committed to helping keep kids safe near schools and playgrounds. We know that municipalities have unique traffic considerations so it makes good sense to let them set their own playground zone times.”

The speed limit for playground zones is 30 kilometres per hour, historically beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending one hour after sunset, seven days a week. The amendment to the Traffic Safety Act gives municipalities the flexibility to, for example, set the playground zone time period earlier than 8:30 a.m., an acknowledgement that many children are present in playgrounds before that time.

If a municipality decides to modify playground zone time periods, they are required to post the new times along the roadside. Making these changes visible makes it easier for drivers to abide by the law and for law enforcement agencies to impose it.

This change to the Traffic Safety Act was passed in 2013 and supports the Traffic Safety Plan 2015, demonstrating confidence in the decision-making authority of municipalities, and reinforcing government’s commitment to investing in communities and families.