Back to school: Safe driving in school zones1 min read

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Annie Leppington

The excitement of back to school can bring a flurry of activity: kids on bikes trying to beat the school bell, bus drivers picking up and dropping off passengers, and parents/caregivers in a rush to drop their kids off before their day begins. As we head back to school, remember that we all have a responsibility to  slow down and pay attention on the roads whether we’re driving, cycling or walking.  

And as school begins, this is a good time to remind drivers to take extra care in school zones. The Region’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program will be up and running in 14 school zones at the start of the school year, with an additional two sites operational by the end of September. The ASE system use cameras to take photographs of licence plates on vehicles that are driving over the posted speed limit in school zones. The goal of the ASE program is to lower drivers’ speeds ultimately making it safer for kids and caregivers to travel to and from school.

In addition, the Region is running a pilot through the 2022/23 school year that will see speed limit reduction of 10 to 20 kilometers per hour (km/h) in some school zones areas, and set at 40 km/h in others. School zones currently set at 40 km/h will remain at 40 km/h. These adjusted speed limits will be in effect Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., September through June. You can see all affected areas on the Region’s website.

It is all about ensuring we each do our part of keep make our roads as safe as possible.

Have a great school year and keep your eyes on the road!