ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Recently, the Robertsdale City Council voted to change the city’s boundaries to include Highway 59 in front of Central Baldwin Middle School.

That means a change in who will be enforcing the 35 mph speed limit in front of the school. The speed limit is in effect from the normal 55 mph limit on that road from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.

“Normally the State Troopers and the Sheriff’s Office patrol there,” said Robertsdale Police Chief Brad Kendrick, who added that Robertsdale police have jurisdiction on Highway 59, from the Middle School to (County Road) 48. With the change in city limits, the Robertsdale police department will now enforce speed limits, as they do for the six other public and private schools in the city.

The penalty for violating a school zone speed limit can be severe.

“The ticket ranges from $129 to $250,” said Kendrick. That does not take into account any changes in the bill for insurance a ticketed driver might get.

Drivers should not think they are going to be surprised by the speed zones.

“The (zones) are well-marked,” said Assistant Chief of Police Brian Middleton.

Middleton added that a radar-operated “speed sign” would be along the road the first few weeks of school to remind drivers of the limits, which have been there since the school was built.

In addition, Kendrick and Middleton added that there would be police patrols in front of all seven schools in the city to make sure motorists got the “slow down” message.

“We haven’t had any accidents,” said Kendrick, “but we have had lots of complaints.”

It’s important to remember that the mix of excited, distracted schoolchildren, impatient motorists and bus drivers who are getting used to their new routes can be a lethal combination.

In other changes, Kendrick added that Robertsdale Elementary School has a new parking lot on the west side of the building. This should provide ample parking for visitors and those picking up youngsters after school.

“We encourage people to park there, not on Wilters Street,” said Kendrick.

People parking on Wilters Street have caused problems for the school in the past.

“Buses can’t get out,” explained Middleton, talking of buses trying to get on Wilters. “Making that turn for them is hard.”

Both officers also urged motorists to obey the regulations regarding school buses. The Alabama Department of Education says,

“Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists MUST stop their cars.

— Begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn and the bus begins to move.

— Watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.

— Slow Down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.

— Be Alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.”

Kendrick offered this advice to motorists: “Slow down, be aware of school buses, and be patient.”