As students head back to school this September, the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) will focus on speed enforcement, particularly in school and community safety zones. Officers will be actively patrolling school zones starting August 29th, 2022, as the community prepares for schools to be back in session.
Committed to keeping community roadways safe for drivers and pedestrians, CPS continues to develop the Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP), which includes enhanced traffic patrols focusing on different areas of enforcement and education each month. With school scheduled to begin this September, STEP will shift to focus on speed enforcement with the return of back-to-school initiative ‘In the Zone.'
'In the Zone' aims to keep roadways safe and ensure students arrive at school and return home safely each day.
Starting the week of August 29th, 2022, CPS members will be present in school, and community safety zones, ready to engage and educate on road safety and speeding enforcement as neighbourhoods gear up to see students return. Once schools are in session (starting September 6th, 2022), police will continue to be out during peak hours, enforcing speed violations with a zero-tolerance approach in school zones.
Drivers are reminded to slow down and be observant around schools, crossing guard locations, local parks, and school buses. Community Safety Zones surround most schools and parks; as such, all Provincial Offence Notice fines are Schedule II. This means that the monetary fine is doubled for breaking the rules of the road.
Speed offences and infractions may result in fines under the Highway Traffic Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. Provincial fines start at $17.50 and go up to $10 000, and up to six (6) months in jail for a speed-related offence such as Stunt Driving (excessive speed, dangerous driving practices, etc.).
Offences contrary to the Highway Traffic Act related to not obeying a School Crossing Guard(s):
• Fail to Obey School Crossing Stop Sign: $365 fine with 4 Demerit Points
• Fail to Obey School Crossing Stop Sign – Community Safety Zone: $730 with 4 Demerit Points
Failing to Stop for a school bus with flashing signal lights or an extended stop arm will result in a $490 fine with six (6) demerit points.
*Victim fine surcharge on every offence.
CPS would like to remind motorists to slow down, be patient, and be alert to students and families using the roadways and sidewalks. Follow directions from crossing guards and be attentive to school bus signals. If you have a child taking active transportation (walking, biking, scooter etc.) to and from school, make a route plan and practice the route before the first day of class.
