News release

Campaign Supports Reduced Speeds in School Zones

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

The province is reminding Nova Scotians that slower is safer in school zones, as part of a driver education campaign launched this week.

The campaign supports the Safer School Zone Act that comes into effect Sept. 1. It will mean drivers will have to reduce speed in school areas to 30 km/h, in a 50 km/h zone, when children are present. In school areas where the speed limit is higher, a 50 km/h reduced speed limit will continue to be in effect when children are present.

"Slower is safer in school zones," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Drivers need time to react to the unpredictable situations that are all too common in school zones from children running onto the street to get a ball to texting their friends. Drivers need to slow down so they have extra time to respond and keep our children safe."

The campaign will include TV and radio spots as well as an online component. It runs this month, August and September.