2026 Safe School Zone Campaign

Peterborough County, ON – In partnership with Peterborough County, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Peterborough Police Service (PPS), there will be an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones this fall. Drivers are reminded to take extra precautions as the school season commences. This includes slowing down in school zones, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists, and stopping for school buses.

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

• You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.
• Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit points.
• Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.
• Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.
• Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.
• Drivers on multi-lane undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the PPS will be monitoring and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones. Drivers and parents can get detailed information about back-to-school traffic safety at School bus safety | ontario.ca.

Quotes:

“As students return to classrooms across Peterborough County, road safety becomes a shared responsibility. We encourage all motorists to slow down, stay focused, and be mindful of the children, families, and school buses travelling throughout our communities. By planning ahead and exercising patience in school zones, we can create safer roads and support a positive start to the school year for everyone.”  Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County

"The Peterborough County OPP is proud to support the 2026 Safe School Zone Campaign and remains committed to keeping our roads and communities safe for students, families, and school staff. School zone safety is a year-round priority, however, as we approach the start of the new school year, officers will be increasing their presence in and around school zones to help raise driver awareness before students return to the classroom. By encouraging motorists to respect posted speed limits, drive distraction-free, and stay alert for crossing guards and students, we can all play a role in ensuring a safe and successful return to school for every child." Staff Sergeant Angie Kerr, Ontario Provincial Police, Peterborough County Detachment

“It’s hard to believe that a new school year is right around the corner, and as students return to school for another year, the Peterborough Police Service supports the Safe School Zone Campaign in partnership with Peterborough County and the Peterborough County OPP.  Back-to-school is an exciting time for many students, and an anxious one for parents. We want it to be a safe experience for all, whether walking, cycling, or taking the bus. We expect motorists to be aware that more young people will be on and adjacent to our roadways, and that reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures exist in many Community Safety Zones.  Thank you in advance to motorists for your patience and awareness as we welcome back students to our schools." Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service

Quick facts

• September is a dangerous month for pedestrians, with more fatalities occurring during this month than any other. (Transport Canada, 2017)
• Top 3 unsafe motorist behaviours seen in Canadian school zones are speeding, illegal parking/stopping and distracted driving. (CAA polling, 2019)
• Nearly a quarter of drivers report witnessing a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child. (CAA polling, 2019)

For more information, please contact: 

Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
communications@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380