New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has made streets safer for students and all pedestrians by extending its school zone speed limit enforcement hours. Drivers are now required to reduce their speed to 30 km/h between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm (formerly 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) on school days. The City has updated existing signage in all New Westminster school zones to reflect this change.  

“Extending school zone speed limit hours is an important step in making city streets safer for everyone. By slowing vehicles during times when community members are likely walking, cycling, or rolling through these busy neighbourhoods, we are reducing the risk of traffic-related injuries,” says Patrick Johnstone, Mayor of New Westminster. “This change also supports the City’s Vision Zero commitment, promotes sustainable travel choices, and helps advance Council’s Strategic Priority to improve the safe movement of people in our community.”

The expanded timeframe takes into consideration students who attend before and after-school activities, as well as community groups using school facilities afterhours. The change is also aligned with the City’s sustainability and road safety goals, as they encourage walking, cycling, and other modes of active transportation as options for commuting to school.

While previous enforcement hours were in alignment with provincial regulations, feedback from parents, school officials, and community members related to traffic safety prompted a review of existing regulations. The review took place in the spring, and included analysis of policies from several neighbouring municipalities. In May, Council adopted a motion to adjust the City’s school zone hours to align with the City of Burnaby. New Westminster shares its longest border with Burnaby.

To learn more about these changes, please visit newwestcity.ca/schoolzone

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Media Contact:

Maia Odegaard
Communications Coordinator
City of New Westminster
778-789-8241 | modegaard@newwestcity.ca