A Special September 2023 City of Oshawa Message - Keep Our School Roadways Safe !

With the start of the new school year, there will be an increase in the number of children walking and biking near schools. For the protection of pedestrians and drivers, motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in school zones and to obey the posted speed limits, no parking, and no stopping signs.

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be enforcing no parking and stopping regulations and other violations in the vicinity of schools to ensure pedestrian safety. Please be aware of traffic signs and do not park in fire routes. Additionally, motorists are urged not block or obstruct sidewalks or driveway access.

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 fines for stopping violations escalate on each infraction ($60, $80, $100).

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 allow a vehicle to be parked while drivers wait for their children; and,
• the fine for a parking violations escalate on each infraction ($40, $60, $80) depending on location ($100, $120, $140 for illegally parking in a fire route)

School Crossing Zones

• Abide by the City’s Crossing Guards three-whistle system:

1. 1. First Whistle: The school crossing guard blows the first whistle, enters the roadway, holds up the stop sign, and ensures traffic has stopped. Children and pedestrians stay on the sidewalk until the school crossing guard blows the second whistle.
   2. Second Whistle: The school crossing guard blows the second whistle when it is safe for the children and pedestrians to cross.
   3. Third Whistle: When the children have safely crossed the roadway, the school crossing guard leaves the roadway. Once safely off the road, the guard blows the third whistle to signify the crossing has ended and traffic can proceed.

• Be observant of children when in a school area and be ready to stop at all times
• Be patient and wait for children to complete their crossing before proceeding
• Reduce speed in schools zones
• Stop when a stop paddle is held up by a crossing guard
• Obey school bus flashers
• Obey yield, stop, traffic signal controls, and traffic signs
• Be mindful of children walking around your vehicle and of other vehicles

School Bus Loading Zones

• designated 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 fines for stopping in school bus loading zones escalate with each infraction ($45, $65, $85).

Community Safety Zones

• are designated sections of roadway where public safety is of special concern, including in and around schools;
• have increased penalties for violations, including speeding and careless driving-related offences; and that
• Durham Regional Police Service increases its presence in these areas and enforces the Community Safety Zone regulations, as well as conduct enforcement projects in conjunction with Municipal Law Enforcement.

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