The beginning of the new school year means more children and pedestrians walking and biking in school areas.
Oshawa has reminded motorists 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. Road users are asked to be aware of traffic signs and remember not to park in fire routes.
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,
- Sight-lines 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 Zone on Conlin Road
Oshawa reminds community members of the new Community Safety Zones on Conlin Road and Simcoe Street North located near the shared Durham College and Ontario Tech University campus.
The Community Safety Zones are located on Conlin Road, between Founders Drive and Bridle Road, and on Simcoe Street North, between Niagara Drive/Selleck Lane and the Campus Ice Centre driveway. The Community Safety Zone on Conlin Road was approved by Oshawa City Council while the Simcoe Street North Community Safety Zone was approved by the Region of Durham. The zones will address community safety for both pedestrians and drivers in the area.
Speed limits are reduced in the Community Safety Zone and penalties for violations, including speeding and careless driving related offences, have been increased. Additionally, Durham Regional Police Service has increased its presence in the area and is enforcing the Community Safety Zone regulations, as well as conducting enforcement blitzes.