LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – School is officially back in session here in Lamorinda as of last week. And with more kids out on the streets in the morning, the Lafayette Police department appears to be ramping up enforcement.
This week, digital signs appeared beside the road near schools like Springhill Elementary warning drivers to avoid red light violations. Locals had previously noted that many drivers–perhaps after finding themselves unexpectedly stuck in school traffic–were cruising through nearby red lights to try to save a few minutes of driving time.
Lafayette Police officers frequently wait near Springhill and Lafayette Elementary to nab people who speed or who go through a red light. Often they’re motorcycle police officers.
The Lafayette Police said online “Streets around our schools are very busy during student drop off and pick up times. Drivers, you can play a key role in the safety of students every day.”
The department says drivers should “Follow crossing guard directions for the safety of our students, “Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk” and “Give students extra space, they may be more focused on their friends and not on cars.”
Thus far, it’s been a gentle reminder. Soon, it will likely come in the form of $300+ traffic tickets.
