Whispering Hills Primary School is asking parents not to drive through the bus loop during school hours.
The school put up signs several weeks ago and sent out a notification to all parents in January, but they are still getting parents who are either unaware or ignoring the signs and notices.
WHPS Principal Lorna Kravontka said they do not want to see parents ticketed for driving through the loop, but that the bylaw officer will be enforcing it.
She stated the ban is to protect the students. She explained that there had been two close calls recently where a child was almost hit by a vehicle.
ìItís all about safety,î she explained.
Kravontka also urges all students and parents to use the crosswalk to avoid any further close calls.
ìGiven our new policy, driving in the bus loop is not permitted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.,î she explained. ìItís just to ensure the safety of all students. Thatís the bottom line.î
A proposal has also been sent to the Town of Athabasca asking that a crosswalk be installed on the north side of the school to allow safer crossing for parents and students when being picked up or dropped off at school.
ìThere are many parents who park in this area when they come to pick up their kids.î
Kravontka reminds parents that even if they are driving in the bus loop after the posted restricted hours, the speed limit is still 10 kilometres an hour.
ìThatís basically a crawl,î she said.
The prohibition is from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m.
