School has been in session for several weeks now, but to remind drivers that school is in session, East Liverpool police are making it their mission to slow drivers down and keep students safe.

Officials said summer months sometimes cloud drivers' memories about the 20 mph speed limit in school zones like at Westgate Middle School, which is just feet from State Route 7.

Even though there are several signs warning drivers they're about to enter a school zone, East Liverpool Police Chief John Lane said, "We get complaints on it every year. People (are) worried about their kid there so it's something we'll definitely be enforcing."

This year more than ever before, Lane said officers will be patrolling school zones, running radar and pulling over and citing anyone who is not obeying the speed limit. He said school zones have been a major concern in the past; however, this year officials are making a conscious effort to keep an eye out for speeders, especially near the heavily traveled highway so close to the middle school.


"It's a dangerous spot. Anyone that's down there is concerned. I know the teachers and the principal always share their concerns with us, and any parent that has a kid that goes there -- they worry about the traffic there," Lane said.


He said students' safety is the main concern and some kids have to walk along or cross the road. So, if crossing guards, signals and bright school zone signs aren't enough to get drivers to slow down, the chief said an officer on patrol should serve as a stern warning and reminder to those passing through. He said when drivers see squad cars in the area, they slow down and obey the speed limit.

"Just remember they were all kids once. You know how kids are erratic ... just because there's a crosswalk there doesn't mean they're going to use it. They're going to cross wherever it's easiest for them," Lane said.


Lane said there will be officers patrolling all school zones in the area and said so far, their efforts have been paying off. To date, police said they haven't seen an overwhelming number of speeders, so they plan to keep doing what they're doing.