Calgary drivers, take note: School zones begin a half-hour sooner

Speed restrictions through Calgary school zones will now begin at 7:30 a.m. -- 30 minutes earlier than before.

The rollback was ordered by city council and is designed to protect students who show up early for extracurricular activities. The 30 km/h restriction on school days remains in place until 5 p.m.

Patrick Quinn is vice-principal at Father Scollen School, one of 36 in the city that runs year-round.

The change will be in effect immediately near the northeast school, where students return to classes today after an abbreviated summer break between terms.

Quinn says the extension will provide "a nice cushion" for kids who arrive early for sports or music practice, particularly on a cold, dark winter morning.

"It just makes it a lot safer," he said.

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