City rejects one-minute school-zone limit

The City of Winnipeg won’t try to impose a one-minute time limit for school drop-offs and pickups.

Council’s public works committee opted to take no action on the idea Wednesday, which would have directed city staff to develop a “Stop, Drop and Go” program with the strict time limit at elementary schools. The vote is final.

The committee’s chairwoman predicted the tight time limit would be tough to follow.

“I don’t think it’s feasible… I had three kids. Kicking them out in one minute is not going to happen,” said Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West).

Coun. Markus Chambers had raised the idea with the goal of reducing congestion and make school zones safer, after complaints about idling vehicles and illegal U-turns.

Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) also called for the program to mandate a designated drop-off and pickup area at each school, and install signs to clearly state all rules. He also called on the city to ask the Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Parking Authority to increase enforcement of traffic and parking laws around the schools.

Lukes said the city doesn’t have the power to impose changes on school divisions, though it could have made recommendations. She said forcing the creation of designated drop-off zones could be expensive for some schools.

The councillor said she agrees dangerous driving behaviour around schools poses a concern.

“I’ve seen parents brushing their teeth in the car in the drop-offs. I’ve seen people (doing) illegal U-turns, turning the wrong way… Schools need to continually educate parents,” she said.

In addition to education, Lukes said the city can help address the issue through discussions with school divisions and by offering support through its road safety program.

City staff noted that could include efforts to encourage more active transportation.

Lukes said some congestion is expected around schools, with so many people entering and leaving the facilities at the same time periods each day.

“Anytime there’s a mass convergence and a mass exodus, there’s going to be waits,” she said.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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