New Orleans, La. -- City officials want to remind drivers about the new extended times in school zones.
The city sent out a notice Monday, advising motorists that times will be extended from 7:30-8:45 a.m. to 7:00-9:00 a.m. and from 2:30-3:45 p.m. to 2:45-4:45 p.m.
The city says the Department of Public Works is currently changing signs to reflect these new times.
It also says traffic tickets and traffic-camera tickets will only be issued if the school zone signs and beacons have been updated to reflect the new times.
"Protecting our schoolchildren as they arrive and depart from school is paramount. The fact is that students are arriving earlier and staying later at school. This change in school zone times will create a safer environment for students, parents, and the general public," said Cedric Grant, Deputy Mayor of Facilities,Infrastructure and Community Development.
The changes are an effort to provide protection for students traveling to or from school. The Mayor'sTransition Task Force on Education recommended the adjustment to better align student arrivals and departures. Last month, school officials endorsed the extended times when the ordinance was approved by the New Orleans City Council.
