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Kamloops News

City looks to make school zones safer

Speed readers and reflective panels remind drivers to slow down in school zones.

KAMLOOPS —  Keeping kids safe is a priority but city staff are not recommending a councillor suggestion to use silhouette signs in school zones.

Council discussed safety in school zones at the beginning of October and several ideas were thrown around before asking the traffic advisory committee to look at options.

Coun. Tina Lange first heard of the idea of using silhouette signs in school zones from a resident who had seen them in Saskatoon and said she would love to see that idea used in our city as well. Engineering director Marvin Kwiatkowski noted the signs do not meet regulations in B.C. The committee had been looking at a more permanent solution.

The committee looked at the option again in November after council asked for another look and while they still didn't agree with the idea of silhouettes a few months later it was decided to ask council to approve expanding the flashing speed reader signs and reflective panels already used in some school zones in the city.

Currently only used at a handful of schools, the committee would like to see the reflective panels installed in all school zones and school crosswalks, not just those taking part in the Safer School Travel program. A speed reader sign would continue to be used throughout the 15 or 16 schools taking part in program.

Once approved 115 panels will be installed at the remaining schools later this year. The panel installation would be funded by the Transportation Safety Program and future maintenance and replacement of the panels would have to be budgeted for in the operating account for signage.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact the managing editor, email Marshall Jones at mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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