‘Officer’ back on duty in school zones

Drivers in the Kelowna area can expect to see RCMP Const. Warren Ning in school zones now that many students are back in classes.

It may not be the actual Const. Warren Ning, but it’s a facsimile that looks a lot like him.

Two cardboard cutouts of the officer, who works for the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section, were created at a local print shop, and members of the section, along with other members of the Kelowna RCMP, will be routinely patrolling the school zones in our community.

“In an effort to slow speeders, a handful of these reflective, bright-green-attired figures, affixed to portable carts, will make their rounds of schools throughout the district again this year,” said Sgt. Mark Booth, unit commander for the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section. “If you’re driving too fast in our school zones, you have to ask if the officer you see is cutout or the real deal.”

School zones are in effect 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days. The minimum fine for speeding in a school zone is $196.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our students. Wherever you’re going, it isn’t worth risking the safety of a child. So slow down and drive safely,” reminded Sgt. Booth.