Town of Oakville and Halton Regional Police kick off school area Parking Safety Awareness campaign

Tue, 23 Feb 2016

Dropping off and picking up students in school areas can cause a lot of extra traffic congestion. Illegally stopped or parked cars are a safety risk as they make it hard for other drivers to see pedestrians, particularly children, crossing the street.

Starting this week, as part of an awareness campaign, the Town of Oakville and the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) will be visiting select Oakville schools to help educate drivers about school area safety and parking. Police and parking control officers will distribute informational cards to drivers with tips on recognizing the difference between No Stopping and No Parking restrictions, as well as information on new rules for stopping at crosswalks.

“We are dedicated to keeping our school areas safe not just for children, but for everyone,” said Jim Barry, senior manager of Enforcement Services. “School areas are busy, particularly at drop off and pick up times. Stopping, even momentarily, in a restricted zone endangers pedestrians and other drivers.”

Following the awareness days, officers who patrol school zones will enforce parking regulations, ticketing illegally stopped or parked vehicles. Parking tickets may be issued at the time of the violation or may be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The No Stopping sign is the most restrictive parking regulation. Once a vehicle has pulled over and ceased moving, even if it is occupied, it is deemed stopped. Stopping in a No Stopping zone could result in a $50 ticket. Parking in a No Parking zone, even if the vehicle is occupied, could result in a $40 ticket. Parking in a fire route could result in a $100 ticket.

To help reduce traffic issues in school areas, the town and HRPS recommend that parents and guardians:

  • use the school’s designated drop off and pick up area
  • keep clear of driveways, entrance ways, crosswalks and bus stops
  • consider other safe and active ways for children to get to school. A list of alternatives and programs can be found on the Halton Region Active and Safe Routes to School page

Residents can report traffic issues around their school area at 905-845-6601. For more information, visit the Parking Enforcement page.