City made school zones and playground zones the same in an attempt to improve safety for children

School zones throughout the city are being changed to playground zones to help remind drivers to slow down, but some Calgary parents say they aren't getting the message.

Council made the change in August so there would be one set of rules in the 30 km/h zones throughout the city. They are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week, and all year round.

School zones now playground zones in Calgary

Calgary police issue 1,400 traffic tickets in 1st week of school


Barbara Silva says it’s rare to see anybody following the rules in her Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. (Evelyne Asselin/CBC)

Barbara Silva, who lives across from a park in north Mount Pleasant with her three children, says she sees people speed through the playground zone near her house far too often.

"We want [our kids] to be outside and active, and that's difficult to do when you can't get them across the street, when cars are going so quickly," she said.

The playground zone is clearly marked, but Silva says it's rare to see anybody following the rules at any time of day in her neighbourhood.

Joyce Gardam, director of the Calgary Safety Council, says it's up to drivers to be more aware.

"You can't judge sometimes what a little kid is going to do, and you have to be cognizant of the fact there are little children out there and watching for them," Gardam said.

Calgary police say they have ramped up efforts to make sure Calgarians learn to slow down.

"Our job is not done until we have zero infractions, zero incidents, zero collisions in the playground zones," said Insp. Ken Thrower.

With files from Stephanie Wiebe