The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

POLICE were out at the various school zones throughout Grand Bahama on Monday as thousands of students returned for the first day of school.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour and several senior officers were also present to ensure that motorists adhered to the speed limit in the various school zones.

Police also distributed flyers with road safety tips and checked to ensure that vehicles were properly licensed for the road.

“We want this school year to be one of the best,” said Senior ACP Seymour. “The school environment should always be an environment where our students are safe and given the opportunity to learn as much as they can.”

He said that road safety is a concern especially in school zones during the morning hours of 8am to 9am and at 3pm to 4pm.

“That is why we are out here to ensure that students who traverse from home to school can do so in the safest way as possible,” he added.

Senior ACP Seymour advised parents to leave home or work in ample time to avoid speeding when dropping their children to school or picking them up.

“We want motorists to observe the speed limit in the school zones, which is 15mph. We want to also advise students to ensure their own security as well by being very conscious and alert when walking to and from school, walking in pairs, and not taking short cuts and/or talking to strangers,” he said.

While there were no incidents reported at any of the school zones today, a bush fire in the area of the Jack Hayward High School caused poor visibility for motorists who were advised to drive with extra caution.