Speed Limit to be Reduced in School Zones

To protect students and make roads safer the province intends to introduce legislation this fall to reduce speed limits in school zones from 50 km/h to 30 km/h.

"As a former teacher and principal, I know first hand that road safety is not always at the top of a student's mind," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This reduction in speed could give a driver the extra split second needed to save a life."

Alberta, British Columbia, and New Brunswick already have a 30 km/h limit in school zones as do many U.S. states. The legislation is supported by numerous groups in Nova Scotia, including The Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, Safe Communities HRM and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

"Speed matters," said Pamela Fuselli, executive director at Safe Kids Canada. "It's estimated that a pedestrian struck by a car travelling at 50 kilometres an hour is eight times more likely to be killed than someone hit at 30 kilometres an hour."

The legislation is being developed and is expected to be ready this fall.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The province plans to reduce speed limits in school zones from 50 kilometres an hour to 30 kilometres an hour.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says the speed limit reduction could give a driver the extra split second needed to save a life.

Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick and many U.S. states already have the 30 kilometre-an-hour limit.

The legislation is expected to be ready this fall.

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