Police to conduct annual safety day as school resumes

Dozens of police officers will be stationed in and around school zones on Tuesday as the Niagara Regional Police conducts its annual safety blitz which coincides with the first day of school.

The region-wide road safety and enforcement day, now in its 18th year, is designed to be a visible reminder to residents that children are back at school and to drive accordingly.

“Officers will be focusing their attention on the safety of our children and crossing guards, so drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively, or not paying attention to crossing guards and the students, will be stopped,” said NRP Sgt. Joshua Klop.

Officers will also be on the lookout for distracted drivers and violations of child restraint and seatbelt laws.

Klop said motorists need to drive with caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in the area of schools and other educational facilities.

Police also want to remind the public that

drivers are required to stop their vehicle in any direction when a school bus is stopped with its overhead red lights flashing. Failing to stop for a school bus could result in a $490 fine and six demerit points.

Also, the Municipal School Crossing Programs Committee of Niagara has launched a Bill 31 Awareness Campaign with the goal to remind residents of amendments to the Highway Traffic which came into effect January 2016.

Motorists cannot turn left, right or proceed through a crosswalk on the clear half of the roadway until the entire crosswalk is clear of both pedestrians and school crossing guards.

Failing to do so could result in a fine up to $500 and three demerit points.

BOB TYMCZYSZYN THE ST. CATHARINES STANDARD Police will be at and around schools zones Tuesday for crossing guard and speed enforcement. Sgt. Todd Lantz with the traffic department takes LIDAR reading of speeders last year along Bunting Road.