Durham Region reminds drivers to slow down in school zones as students head back to school

Whitby, Ontario – As Durham Region students gear up to go back to school next week, the Region of Durham is reminding road users to keep safety top of mind in school zones.

“During the 2020/2021 school year, many students were learning from home so there was a decrease in the number of children walking or riding bikes to school. As in-person learning starts up again, drivers need to slow down, stay focused, and watch for cyclists and pedestrians; and pedestrians must ensure they always cross the road at a designated crossing or signalized intersection,” says Ramesh Jagannathan, Director of Transportation and Field Services for the Region of Durham. “With more people on the roads, please give yourself extra time to get to your destination and drive with care to protect the safety of our children.”

Through the Durham Vision Zero strategic road safety action plan, Durham Region is taking steps to reduce the number of fatal and serious-injury-causing collisions on our roads. Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras are currently operational in school zones and designated community safety zones in Durham Region. Cameras are rotated between these sites. For a list of locations in Durham Region, and to learn more about ASE, visit durham.ca/ASE.

Durham Region also uses a speed radar feedback sign program to improve driver awareness of speed limits and reduce aggressive driving in school zones and Community Safety Zones. In Community Safety Zones, fines for traffic offences—such as speeding or traffic signal infractions—are doubled.

Durham Vision Zero is a long-term plan to ensure a safe transportation system that sees no lives lost or serious injuries on Durham’s roadways. Learn more at durham.ca/VisionZero.

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