Extra 50 police officers hit the streets as kids return to school across Niagara Region

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Published September 1, 2023 at 2:05 pm

niagara police back to school
Niagara Regional Police photo

An extra 50 police will be out on the streets watching for traffic safety and raising awareness as students return to school next week in Niagara Region.

Niagara Regional Police holds its 23rd Back to School Traffic Safety and Awareness Day on Tuesday (Sept. 5), the police service said in a press release.

Each year, senior officers and those who work in specialty units who are not regularly assigned to uniform patrol duties, put on their uniforms and head out to the local school zones to take part in this traffic safety and awareness day.

In addition to the general uniform patrol, another 50 officers are expected to hit the streets this year as part of the initiative, police said.

The police Traffic Enforcement Unit organizes the campaign.

The focus this year will be the 13 Community Safety Zones near schools in Niagara.

Community Safety Zones are areas where public safety is of special concern and the aim is to change driver behaviour and improve safety on these sections of road.

Speeding fines are doubled in these zones — none of the rules of the road change within the zone, only the penalties.

This year, starting on Sept. 5, automated cameras will be active in designated Community Safety Zones in Niagara as part of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program.

Officers will be on the look out for traffic offences such as distracted driving, and seat belt infractions.

With the return of classes, the student buses will resume service.

More than 100 school buses in Niagara are equipped with video cameras.

Video evidence of drivers who do not stop for a loading school bus will be sent to police and if there are grounds to support a charge, then an offence notice will be mailed to the last known address of the vehicle’s owner.

The safety measures don’t end after the first day of school — police will continue to conduct traffic safety programs in school zones throughout the entire school year.

Officers will target aggressive and distracted drivers.

Police remind all drivers to be alert, drive with caution, and be aware of their surroundings, especially around schools and other educational facilities.

For parents and students safety, the police have compiled a list of links below:

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