Petaluma police to pay special attention to school zones

<p>Petaluma police are reminding drivers — hurried parents, mostly — to be aware of schoolchildren walking and biking along Petaluma streets now that school is back in session after winter break.</p><p>Complaints from parents, neighbors and school officials started coming in early this week as schools reopened, Sgt. Ken Savano said.</p><p>The complaints ranged from speeding, failing to obey crossing guards and a variety of parking-related violations: parking in red zones, in front of fire hydrants, blocking driveways, being more than 18 inches from the curb, blocking handicap access ramps and blocking crosswalks.</p><p>“Most of the complaints all have the same underlying issues of students or parents not leaving with enough time to not be in a hurry, forcing them to drive or park in ways they would not normally do in their own neighborhoods,” Savano said.</p><p>Police are asking drivers to behave as if they would in their own neighborhood.</p><p>Officers will conduct special patrols around school zones, Lt. Tim Lyons said. Stings will be conducted in areas that have a history of problems.</p><p>To promote bike safety, the department also offers free bicycle helmets available to anyone under age 18. Helmets can be picked up at the police department, 969 Petaluma Boulevard North.</p><p>Copyright © 2013 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.</p>