Calgary City Council Recommends Doubling Fines for Playground Zone Speeding
In a unanimous decision, Calgary City Council has proposed increasing fines for vehicles speeding in playground zones. The move comes in response to concerns raised by parents and residents about the safety of children in these areas.
The proposal, tabled by Coun. Jasmine Mian, would double the fines currently set by the provincial government under the Traffic Safety Act. Drivers caught speeding in playground and school zones face fines starting at $81, with the amount increasing based on the speed. The fines would be doubled under the proposed changes.
According to Mian, speeding in school zones was one of the biggest complaints she received since becoming a councillor in 2021. In 2023, there were over a thousand summons to court over speeding in school zones, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
Parent Tia Tilley expressed support for the increased fines. She often witnesses vehicles exceeding the 30 km/h speed limit between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. while taking her preschooler to class. The excessive speed poses a danger to the children in the area, which is why she supports stronger deterrents.
Calgary resident Tamara Manorek also approves of the proposal, noting that speeding is a common problem in her community with numerous schools and children. The increased fines would send a clear message to drivers to slow down and prioritize safety.
Another resident, Rebecca King, believes that higher fines are long overdue. Speeding in school zones has been a persistent problem, and she hopes that the increased penalties will motivate drivers to exercise more caution.
Mian expressed confidence that the province will support the proposal, as they have previously supported similar measures for speeding past emergency vehicles and construction workers. The effectiveness of these increased fines in reducing speeding has been proven, and Mian is optimistic that they will have a similar impact in playground zones.
The proposal will be further discussed at the Alberta Municipalities Conference in September. If approved, it will significantly increase the consequences for speeding in playground zones, enhancing the safety of children and pedestrians in these areas.
