Motorists reminded to slow down, drive with caution in school zones

It is back to the routine for everyone after the long weekend, but especially for kids and parents as a new school year begins on Tuesday.

The return to class for kids also means a return to the typical commute for drivers.

Toronto police are reminding motorists to be extra vigilant and to drive slowly in school safety zones, which include safety signs and pavement markings. So far, there are 136 zones across Toronto and city officials hope to add an extra 63 by the end of the year.

During the week, police will be targeting distracted, impaired and aggressive drivers, and motorists who speed and park illegally around school zones.

“These behaviours lead to frustration, congestion, and an unsafe environment for students,” police said in a release.

“This campaign is about ‘no tolerance’ for violations, but also about asking you to commit to changing bad driving habits.”

Mayor John Tory, Toronto police and officials with the Toronto District School Board were at Oakridge Junior Public School in Scarborough to emphasize traffic safety measures in school zones.

As part of its Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, the City of Toronto has implemented several initiatives to ensure the safety of students heading to school. They include school safety zones, more than 700 crossing guards, 704 locations staffed with school crossing guards, and Automated Speed Enforcement cameras in school and community zones to help slow down drivers.

Click here for the City of Toronto’s Safety Guide for School Children and Parents.