Speed in Playground Zones 

This week the Medicine Hat Police Service safety messaging trailer will be located in playground and school zones throughout the city displaying the message “SLOW DOWN - Our Children Play Here”.  The Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind drivers to obey all posted speed limits on all roads including school and playground zones, construction areas and when passing emergency vehicles. 

The speed limit in both urban and rural school zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted and is in effect on school days from 8 am to 9:30 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 3 pm to 4:30 pm unless other times are posted.  The majority of schools in Medicine Hat are also signed as playground zones. 

The speed limit in a playground zone is 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted and is in effect from 8:30 am to one hour after sunset.  A vehicle is not permitted to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction in either school or playground zones during the times that these zones are in effect. 

In 2008, there was a decrease in motor vehicle collisions in photo radar enforced sites throughout the city.  In 2007, there were 1,159 collisions vs. 845 in 2008, a reduction of 27.1%.  Remember speed limits save lives everyday – maybe today it is yours or that of someone you love!  

This week’s safety message was a suggestion submitted from a Medicine Hat resident thru the MHPS website.  Anyone interested in providing input on future safety messages to be displayed on the MHPS safety messaging trailer or identify road safety issues that are of concern to them are encouraged to provide their input. 

For more information please contact: 

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471