Extending the hours for when playground and school zones are in effect is being proposed under new traffic rules. On Monday, city council discussed some possible changes to the current traffic regulations in Lloydminster.
One of the changes includes increasing the times of when school zones are in effect. Currently, the times for school zones are 8 to 9:30 a.m. then 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. and end at 3 to 4:30 p.m. The new changes would see drivers slowing down to 30 km per hour from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in a school zone.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the city’s bylaws are intended to keep residents safe, especially children.
“We don’t want to be a drag on the economy or in the case of people travelling across the city, but as we know speed is a challenge that we face in the city on a regular basis. That’s the factor that we have to take into account, for the safety of the children and those using our playgrounds and school zones.”
If passed, the new bylaw will also include changing playground zones to 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. As it stands right now, the times for a playground zone to be in effect is 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
The proposed rules also include preventing residents from parking their unhitched trailers on any roads in the city. The current bylaw allows people to park an unhitched trailer for up to 48 hours. The change would mean residents would have to immediately remove their unhitched trailer from the road.
City councillor Stephanie Munro says there should be a restriction on the number of hours people can have their trailers on the street.
“It does obscure the view whether it’s for someone walking their dog or children and unfortunately children always aren’t looking out for the other vehicles that they should be. I think it’s wonderful people get out with their families and do enjoy the camping season. I do think there should also be some responsibility on the owners for those trailers.”
Aalbers says another Your Voice Night may be held for residents to give their feedback on the changes to the traffic regulations. In the meantime, the bylaw will be brought back in a future council meeting.