Councillor calls for citywide strict, standardized elementary school-zone rules to improve safety

A one-minute time limit and ramped-up traffic enforcement could be considered for drop-offs and pickups at elementary schools, with the goal of making the process quicker and safer.

Coun. Markus Chambers is calling for city staff to develop a standardized “stop, drop and go” program that mandates a designated drop-off and pickup area at each school, along with the strict time limit.

“Every year, with the start of (school), I get continuous calls with regards to some parents who prioritize their own child’s needs over that of all of the others… and it’s creating some real challenges around school zones,” said Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River).

After some residents brought forward another round of safety concerns at École St. Norbert Immersion in the fall, he decided to push for changes.

“I saw so many different infractions and safety concerns.… (This) would be decreasing the amount of idling vehicles and, potentially, some dangerous manoeuvres, including U-turns right in school zones,” he said.

The councillor said he believes some parents make illegal U-turns to escape the congestion around schools.

The designated areas should include clear signs noting rules and penalties for those who don’t comply, and the city should also collaborate with police and the Winnipeg Parking Authority to ensure “a targeted increase of enforcement presence,” said Chambers.

After a period of education and warnings for drivers, consistent ticketing should follow, he said.

While designated drop-off and pickup zones are already in place at many Winnipeg schools, Chambers said he believes a standard system is needed to ensure they are present at every school and drivers comply with the rules.

Caregivers picking up students at École St. Norbert Immersion Monday had a mixed reaction to the idea. Some agreed a separated, clear pickup zone is needed to reduce safety risks.

“It’s quite congested, it’s quite chaotic, (it) causes a lot of tension,” said Stephanie Roy, who walked to the building to meet her kids.

Jacqueline Bernardin said some vehicles have blocked sidewalks and intersections at times, while others have backed up close to kids trying to cross the street.

“It’s very unsafe.… If they start enforcing (the rules), maybe that will help,” said Bernardin.

Others said they felt drivers already behave safely around the school.

Jennifer Gyles, who arrived early to pick up her grandkids, said both drivers and students are generally cautious.

She fears a one-minute time limit to drop off or pick up students would be impossible to follow.

“I’m picking up three different kids that are all getting out of different classes.… It would be very hard to do that,” said Gyles.

Adam Boone agreed.

“Having two children in the school, I would like to see a better plan implemented.… (But) one minute is very tight. We know children are not on a fast schedule, so by the time they get their boots on and jackets, I don’t feel that’s enough time,” said Boone.

The president of the Manitoba School Boards Association said safety around pickup and dropping off students is a concern at many schools throughout the province.

However, he believes ramping up enforcement of existing rules is the best way to address it.

“A lack of rules is not the problem here. A lack of enforcement of those rules is a problem,” said Alan Campbell.

He said a one-minute per vehicle time limit for those picking up or dropping off students could actually raise new safety concerns.

“The last thing you want is a motorist in a rush in a school zone,” he said.

The city must also consult school divisions before approving any changes, since the divisions would be heavily involved in implementing them, he said.

A request to interview a member of the Winnipeg Parking Authority was not granted Monday. In a statement, a city spokesman said the authority proactively patrols 240-plus schools in Winnipeg, prioritizing zones with known compliance and safety concerns.

Those found to exceed the maximum time allowed in designated drop-off and pickup zones can face a $70 fine, while a $100 penalty can be charged for violating “no stopping” rules, such as in school-bus loading zones or near crosswalks, sidewalks or driveways, said spokesman Adam Campbell.

The city encourages anyone who sees the parking violations to report them to 311, which can help determine where patrols are conducted.

The Riel community committee will vote on Chambers’ motion Wednesday. If that committee approves the motion, city council’s public works committee will consider ordering a staff report on the matter, which would be due back in about six months.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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