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 30th, 2023, as the community prepares for schools to be back in session.
Committed to keeping community roadways safe for drivers and pedestrians, CPS continues to have road safety as a key priority, including enhanced traffic patrols focusing on different areas of enforcement and education at key times throughout the year. With school scheduled to begin this September, CPS focuses 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 this week, 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 5th, 2023), police will continue to be out during peak hours,
executing speed violations with a zero-tolerance approach in school zones.
Positive Tickets will be issued!
In addition to focusing on community engagement, education and enforcement of speeding and community safety zones infractions this September, CPS members will reward students who are caught taking positive action and making safe choices around road safety, pedestrian safety, helping others, or being kind.
The student will be presented with a Safe Community Partner Certificate and a coupon for an ice cream from a local business. Wearing a helmet, looking both ways as you cross the road, listening to the crossing guard or helping others get on and off the bus. Positive actions, big and small, help build a safer community.
Reminders for Drivers
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.).
Fines are also issued for not obeying School Crossing Guards, not stopping at a School Crossing Stop Sign and failing to stop for a school bus.
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.
Let’s work together for a safe school year.