New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has placed permanent speed reader boards adjacent to four local elementary schools to remind drivers to slow down when travelling through school zones.

“School zones and speeding is a recipe for disaster,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “These signs will provide an immediate signal to drivers to slow down through school zones and will help keep our children safe.”

The solar-powered signs are located roadside at the following schools:

Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary - 8th Avenue southbound
Richard McBride Elementary - Richmond Street westbound
F.W. Howay Elementary - Cumberland Street westbound
John Robson Elementary - 8th Street southbound

“Given the traffic volumes through New Westminster and concerns expressed about speeding in school zones, the City has purchased these signs as a permanent reminder to drivers to remain aware and drive at a safe speed,” said Jim Lowrie, Director of Engineering Services.

The new speed reader boards will remain in operation around the clock. On school days, from 8am to 5pm, if a vehicle is travelling over the posted school-zone limit of 30km/hour the words “Slow Down!” will flash as an immediate signal to drivers to watch their speed. Outside of school hours, the reader boards will flash when a driver exceeds the regular posted speed limit of 50km/hour.

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Contact:
Roger Emanuels, Coordinator, Design and Construction
Department of Engineering Services
Tel: 604-527-4540
Email: remanuels@newwestcity.ca