Year-round reduced speeds now in effect for School Zones and new Playground Zones

Saskatoon families may feel a stronger sense of safety in areas where their young children learn and play as changes to School Zones and new Playground Zones start tomorrow, September 1.  

Speed limits in School Zones at elementary schools will be 30 km/h every day, all year from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additionally, some school zone boundaries were adjusted and the reduced speed limit was removed from High School Zones. U-turns are still restricted at all schools between posted School Zone signs. 

“Slowing from 50 km/h to 30 km/h where children play gives the driver more time to react, a wider field of vision and a chance to come to a complete stop sooner,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Children are more vulnerable to severe injury in a crash than adults, so should a crash occur, it is less likely that it would have severe consequences at a reduced speed.” 

Playground Zones are new in Saskatoon and require drivers to slow to 30 km/h as posted, when passing areas where children play. Where School and Playground Zone signs do not include a posted speed limit, treat the sign as a caution and pay close attention through the area. 

Speed enforcement activities will be aligned with the new School Zone and Playground Zone effective hours.  

“It’s critical for people to slow down in these areas where young children play and learn,” said Dale Solie, Inspector, Saskatoon Police Service.  “Initially our focus will be to educate and raise awareness of the school zone and playground changes; however, enforcement will occur where necessary.” 

Vehicle speed and pedestrian safety have been the top concerns of residents who participated in 77 Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews between 2013 and 2021, and many people felt that vulnerable people, such as children, were at risk of injury.  

Following a city-wide speed limit review for residential streets in 2021, City Council approved changes to extend School Zones to year-round with longer hours and implement playground zones. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/speedlimit.