School Zone Safety as a Priority: OPP and Peterborough Police Service to Increase Traffic Enforcement as Students Return to School, With New Policies Developed to Enhance Safety Across School Zones in Peterborough County

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:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.
2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
   points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.
3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.
4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.
5. 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.

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County. These policies include:

• School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy
• Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

• New school pavement markings
• New radar speed signs
• Speed limit reductions
• Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

These changes are designed to create safer environments for students, families, and all road users. 
For more information on specific changes to school zones near you, please refer to the following links:

PDPW 2025-15 School Zone Changes
PDPW 2025-15 Appendix A Proposed School Zone Changes
PDPW 2025-15 Appendix B Propose School Zones Speed Limit Changes 
PDPW 2025-15 Appendix C

Quotes:
“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines. The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”
Inspector Chris Galeazza, Detachment Commander, Ontario Provincial Police - Peterborough County Detachment

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus.  We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year. 
Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service

"As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”
Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County

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)

The Safe School Zones campaign is funded by Peterborough County’s Active Transportation Master Plan. For more information, visit: 
www.ptbocounty.ca/ATMP

For more information, please contact:
Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502