S/Sgt. Clayton confirms extra patrols will focus on drop-off and pick-up times
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — With all students across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo returning to class Tuesday, Sept. 2, local officials are reminding drivers to slow down and watch for children in school zones.
School zone speed limits of 30 kilometres an hour will be back in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days. Playground zones remain at 30 km/h from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. year-round.
Staff Sergeant Sabrina Clayton of the Wood Buffalo RCMP says officers will be stepping up patrols. “In partnership with the RMWB Bylaw Services, Wood Buffalo Municipal Traffic Services, Community Policing, and General Duty units, we will all be out with extra patrols for the start of the school year,” she said.
Drivers are reminded to pay attention to crosswalks, avoid parking in fire lanes, and never pass a school bus with its red lights flashing. Pedestrians are encouraged to make eye contact with drivers before crossing and use marked crosswalks.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says motorists should expect heavier traffic during morning drop-offs and after-school pick-ups, with more students using bikes, scooters and skateboards, but they are reminding the public that privately owned e-scooters remain restricted to private property.
RMWB Transit has also made adjustments to school bus routes for the 2025-26 school year. All areas served by special school routes last year will continue to be serviced, but with new route numbers and updated schedules based on bell times. Students are encouraged to review the new guide at rmwb.ca/transit.
The reminders come after Alberta RCMP reported issuing nearly 1,000 speeding tickets and removing 92 impaired drivers from roads over last year’s Labour Day weekend. Officers say the goal this year is to keep roads safe as families return to school routines.
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