Milton Urges Drivers to Slow Down in School Zones as Classes Resume

As thousands of Milton students return to the classroom, the Town of Milton is asking everyone behind the wheel to ease off the gas and pay extra attention around schools and crossings. The reminder comes as school-zone flashing lights are once again active across town.

What Happened

The Town of Milton issued a back-to-school road safety reminder urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch for children near schools and crossings. Mayor Gord Krantz noted that drivers can have the greatest impact simply by slowing down, staying alert, and watching for children near schools.

School-zone flashing lights were switched on for the season on Monday, August 31. When those lights are flashing near designated schools, the speed limit drops to 40 km/h.

Key Details

• The school-zone speed limit is 40 km/h when the flashing lights are active.

• Crossing guards operate at 19 local schools; drivers in all directions must stop when a guard raises their sign and wait until the road is completely clear.

• Pedestrians are reminded to use signalized intersections or marked crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and confirm vehicles have stopped before crossing.

• Cyclists should obey traffic signals and signs and use designated crossings.

• At school drop-off Kiss and Ride zones, drivers should follow posted signs, keep traffic moving, and avoid stopping in unauthorized areas; by-law staff monitor some zones using licence-plate recognition.

• The Town is partnering with Halton Regional Police's Project Safe Start campaign, which focuses on speeding, seat belts, stop signs, school buses and school-zone enforcement.

Community Impact

The start of the school year brings a sharp increase in the number of children walking, cycling and being dropped off near schools. Slower speeds and heightened attention from drivers can make a real difference in keeping young pedestrians safe during busy morning and afternoon periods.

With enforcement stepped up through Project Safe Start, drivers can also expect police to be watching for unsafe behaviour in and around school zones.

Background

Milton adjusts speed limits and deploys crossing guards around schools each year to protect students. Community safety zones and school-zone rules carry higher penalties for infractions during posted hours.

Source: Town of Milton — https://www.milton.ca/en/news/milton-reminds-drivers-to-slow-down-as-students-return-to-school.aspx

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