The Independence Police Department announces changes to the school zone on 10^th Street near the high school and Riley School. The changes come because of a request of USD 446 to extend school zones to protect students at the newly reopened Riley School. Research indicates that longer school zones lead to more speeding in a school zone. Therefore the lengthy school zone was broken into two parts. The north school zone is between 1922 N. 10^th and Hackberry on 10^th Street. The south school zone is between 1616 N. 10^th to Hickory on 10^th Street. There are signs in place indicating the school zone speeds are enforced from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm. Officers have been asked to rely on warnings until the flashing signs can be removed and the public can adjust to the change.

Speed fines are doubled in school zones. The speed limit in the school zones is 20 mph. Chief Jerry Harrison says “Our goal isn’t to write tickets but if students can’t get to school safely we will.”