Aldershot resident sets things in motion for improved safety in school zones

In mid September I received this question via email from a resident who drives professionally for a living: “I'm wondering why there are not Crosswalk Lights at the crosswalk at the Aldershot Elementary School?” Importantly, the school grounds with their recently improved equipment are a favourite spot in the evening hours when visibility can be poor.   Later he explained that as far as he was concerned past decisions had led to crosswalks in places that aren’t so crucial while more dangerous spots were not being attended to.   We are all aware of the provincially mandated decrease in speed limits for school zones when children are present. You may also have driven by the speed monitors at the approach to the Kings County Academy in Kentville and received a welcome reminder to keep your speed in check. It works!   In early October, after polling other councillors, I drafted a request for agenda time to bring this discussion to council chambers. A county wide review of school zones seemed the most effective way for council to find out where improvements were most needed.   The item was placed on the Committee of the Whole agenda on November 19.   I am happy to report the draft motion included in the agenda package was unanimously passed by all councillors in attendance:   “That Committee of the Whole recommend Municipal Council develop a policy to govern our role in the safety of children in school zones and that costs related to improved safety standards be included in upcoming budget discussions.”   I look forward to seeing progress on council’s role in school safety not only in District 3 but across Kings County in the next fiscal year. Council will have a final vote on this issue on December 3.   Crosswalks, crosswalk lights, and speed monitors can all play their part as your municipality works with police officers to ensure children’s safety.   I am thankful to that observant resident of Aldershot. Smart decisions focus on effective and efficient outlays of tax-payers money and his email got this ball rolling.