News Summary

Starting March 24, New Orleans will activate new flashing beacons in school zones to enhance student safety. These beacons, tailored to individual school schedules, remind drivers to adhere to speed limits. Adopted unanimously by the City Council, the new ordinance aims to provide a safer environment for students heading to and from school. The beacons, part of a wider initiative aligning with state laws, reflect New Orleans’ commitment to community safety and awareness on the roads.

New Orleans Prioritizes Student Safety with Enhanced School Zone Beacons

Attention, New Orleans! Beginning on Monday, March 24, our beloved city is turning on some brand-new school zone beacons to help keep our students safe. These flashing beacons will be lighting up the town, literally, whenever kids are heading to and from school.

Shining a Light on Safety

So, what exactly are these beacons? Well, they are bright lights that flash on school zone speed limit signs when they are active. This means that areas near schools are going to get some extra attention – and extra safety measures. But there’s more to this shiny addition than just looking cool!

These new beacons will not only brighten up the roads but also help enforce speed limits in more school zones across the city. It’s all part of a big effort to comply with a new state law aimed at keeping both students and drivers safe. After all, we all want to ensure our children can safely make their way to school without any worries.

Timing is Everything

One really interesting change comes with the hours of operation for some school zones. Instead of having a one-size-fits-all schedule for the entire city, these operating hours will now be tailored to fit each individual school’s schedule. This means the beacons will flash when they are needed the most – right before school starts and just after it ends.

The adjustments come from a brand-new ordinance that amends Section 154-534 of the City Code, specifically focused on regulating speed limits in school zones. It’s all about making sure our kids are safe and sound when they are on their way to learn and grow.

Flashing Strategy

It’s important to know that these flashing beacons will only serve as warning systems in designated school zones. If a beacon is not working, traffic violations won’t be enforced, so it’s essential to pay attention to the operational status of these lights. Drivers will need to be extra vigilant when they see these signs flashing—it’s a friendly reminder to slow down and watch out for kids!

Unanimous Support

On March 13, the City Council showed their commitment to student safety by unanimously adopting Ordinance Calendar No. 35,005. This decision was made at the request of a local council member and the city administration, who are passionate about making our streets safer.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed this significant ordinance, which includes noteworthy changes to not only signage schedules but also the operations of the beacons. The goal? To ensure our kids can move about with greater safety when heading to school or returning home each day.

Following the Rules

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is on standby to get these systems up and running smoothly in line with Act No. 103 from the 2024 Regular Session. This law specifies that school zone cameras are only active during certain times, resulting in updates to technology and signage throughout the city.

A Commitment to Our Community

The changes we’re seeing are a clear reflection of New Orleans’ dedication to safety—not just for our children, but also for all drivers in the area. By implementing these beacons and adjusting rules around them, the city is truly stepping up its game when it comes to student safety.

So, as we gear up for the changes rolling out this March, let’s spread the word and look out for our kiddos! Remember, staying alert and respecting school zone speeds not only protects our children but also helps foster a community where everyone can feel secure.