York Region highlights school zone safety improvements as students return to classrooms
With students back in classrooms across York Region and increased traffic around schools, York Region is reminding motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and families that school zone safety is a shared responsibility. York Region continues to invest in road safety improvements to help create safer school environments and support children travelling to and from school.
To coincide with the start of the school year, York Region and traffic safety partners York Regional Police, York Region Paramedic Services, Ministry of Transportation and Canadian Automobile Association South Central Ontario (CAA) showcased road safety improvements at King City Secondary School in the Township of King, reinforcing the importance of safe travel through school zones.
York Region's enhanced pavement marking pilot project was completed this summer at nine higher-risk school zones across the Region. One location was selected in each of York Region's nine municipalities, including King City Secondary School. This pilot project introduced new pavement markings designed to encourage drivers to slow down, increase awareness and improve safety for students and other vulnerable road users. Enhancements include:
- Speed reduction pavement markings, such as optical speed bars, to encourage drivers to slow down
- Wider, more visible pavement markings, including centre lines, lane lines and edge lines, helping drivers better understand lane position and road alignment
- Upgraded school zone markings and "Do Not Block" pavement markings at selected school entrances to improve visibility and access
- Additional signage indicating pedestrian crossing areas to help students travel safely to and from school
- Speed display boards to encourage compliance with speed limits
In addition to the school zone enhancements, York Region continues to invest in road safety improvements across the Region. This fall, York Region is installing "Do Not Block Intersection" pavement markings and warning signs at emergency service entrances and exits located directly on Regional roads. These measures are intended to keep emergency access points clear and reduce delays for Fire, Paramedic and Police services responding to emergencies. York Region has also been introducing digital No Right Turn on Red signs at select intersections with higher safety risks. The signs activate only when needed, helping improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists while reducing delays and queue lengths for drivers.
These improvements support York Region's Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, which aims to reduce severe collisions and create safer roads for everyone, especially vulnerable road users.
School zone safety initiatives, including enhanced pavement markings, are among the measures helping advance the Region's goal of reducing severe collisions by 10% between 2024 and 2028.
York Region reminds travellers in school zones to:
- Slow down and obey posted speed limits
- Stay focused and eliminate distractions
- Yield to pedestrians and follow directions from crossing guards
- Watch for cyclists and give them space
- Stop for school buses when required and be aware of children getting on and off buses
- Make eye contact with drivers and press the pedestrian push button before crossing the road
Learn more about school zone safety and York Region's Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan at york.ca/VisionZero
