CARY PD BEGINS OPERATION SAFE SCHOOL ZONE

CARY, NC - As children return to school this New Year, expect a more visible police presence in their vicinity as the Town of Cary Police Department implements Operation Safe School Zone, an initiative designed to increase student safety. Officers will increase patrols in the vicinity of schools to coincide with the start and end of the school day and will supplement their work with radar detection speed display units.  Crews will also be carrying out drivers' license checks and strictly enforcing parking rules, especially where sight distance problems can be an issue.

"Our goal with Operation Safe School Zone is to help ensure student safety by reducing speeds and traffic related injuries," said Cary Police Sergeant Joe Clifton. "Motorists need to be aware that school zone times have changed in many places throughout the last year—such as around Cary High School, so it's important to pay especially close attention in these areas."  

There are about six schools in Cary's jurisdiction with special school zone speed designations.  Typically, speeds in these areas drop to 25 MPH weekdays during specific hours in the mornings and afternoons.  School speed zones details are posted on white information signs in the right-of-way facing each lane of traffic near the entrances and exits to schools.

Exceeding the posted school zone speed limit can result in a maximum fine of $100 plus $25 in court costs.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     January 3, 2005

PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Sergeant Joe Clifton, Cary Police Traffic Unit, (919) 469-4338
Captain Kenny Williams, Field Operations, (919) 460-4088
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, (919) 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951