Back to school means the return of school zone speed restrictions in Saskatoon.

The reduced speed limit of 30 km/h in areas around elementary and high schools went into effect Monday.

Speed is limited between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, and there are no exceptions for statutory holidays or during school breaks.

The 30 km/h speed limit is designed to give drivers more time to brake in a an emergency such as when a child runs out in from of a car, the City of Saskatoon said in a news release. The city estimates that slowing down while in a school zone adds only 12 seconds to your trip.

In addition to the speed restriction, parents taking their children to or from school are reminded that U-turns are prohibited around school zones.