With students returning to classes today, more children and pedestrians will be walking and biking in school areas. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution in school zones and to obey speed limits, no parking and no stopping signs for pedestrian and driver safety.
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be enforcing no parking and stopping regulations and other violations in the vicinity of schools to ensure pedestrian safety, said a notice from City of Oshawa. Please be aware of traffic signs and remember do not park in fire routes, it said.
No Stopping Zones
- May not be used for the purpose of picking-up or dropping-off school children;
- Are established in a limited number of locations, where the stopping of a vehicle will create a traffic hazard, congestion or interfere with the use of a school crossing; and,
- The fine for a stopping violation is $60.
No Parking Zones
- May be used for picking up or dropping off school children, only when the children are actively entering/exiting the vehicle;
- Does not permit a vehicle to be parked while drivers wait for their children; and,
- The fine for a parking violation is $30.
School Crossing Zones
- Require drivers and cyclists to follow the three-whistle system; and,
- Wait for the school crossing guard to blow the third whistle, which signifies the crossing has ended and traffic can proceed.
To help ensure the safety of crossing guards, students and other pedestrians, motorists are reminded to take special care while driving and to follow these safety reminders:
- Reduce speed in school zones;
- Stop when a stop paddle is held up by a crossing guard;
- Drivers cannot stop or park within this zone for any reason including the pick-up or drop-off of students; and,
- Sightlines for crossing guards must be maintained. Drivers who stop within a school crossing create serious hazards for both the children and the crossing guard.
School Bus Loading Zones
- Used for the exclusive use of school buses or vehicles under contract to the Boards of Education;
- Drivers cannot stop or park within this zone for any reason including the pick-up or drop-off of students; and,
- The fine for a parking violation is $45.
Community Safety Zones
- Designated sections of roadway where public safety is of special concern, including in and around schools.
- Within Community Safety Zones there are increased penalties for violations, including speeding and careless driving related offences.
- Durham Regional Police Service increase its presence in these areas and enforces the Community Safety Zone regulations, as well as conduct enforcement blitzes.