Dear Cop - Pro D Days

I am aware that school zones are in effect from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday, when school is in session. This obviously means that during vacation periods, the school zones are not in effect. But what about Professional Development days? In effect, schools are in session but in actuality, there are no students present on school grounds. And now that all Kelowna schools have the same Pro-D days, this issue may come up more often.

Pro-D Days
Not all schools have a "Pro-D" day at the same time. Some schools continue on so you have to be careful. If in doubt, slow down in a school zone with a posted sign.

Schools and playgrounds
Section 147 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that a person driving a vehicle on a regular school day and on a highway where signs are displayed stating a speed limit of 30 km/h, or on which the numerals "30" are prominently shown, must drive at a rate of speed not exceeding 30 km/h while approaching or passing the school building and school grounds to which the signs relate, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or subject to subsection (1.1), between any extended times that are stated on the signs.
(1.1) Extended times under subsection (1) may not begin later than 8 a.m. or end earlier than 5 p.m.
(2) A person driving a vehicle on a highway must drive the vehicle at a rate of speed not exceeding 30 km/h when approaching or passing, between dawn and dusk, a public playground for children where signs are displayed stating a speed limit of 30 km/h, or on which the numerals "30" are prominently shown.

If there is no sign indicating a reduced speed limit for the school zone or public playground then you are to continue driving at the posted speed limit for that roadway through the school zone.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.