Oshawa school-zone enforcement is increasing as students return to class, with municipal officers monitoring parking and Durham police watching community safety zones.
The City is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert and obey no-stopping, no-parking, fire-route and school-bus loading restrictions. Children may be walking or cycling near schools and can be difficult to see between parked vehicles.
No-stopping and no-parking rules differ
In a no-stopping zone, a driver cannot stop even briefly to drop off or collect a passenger. Oshawa says fines start at $60 and increase with repeated violations.
In a no-parking zone, a brief stop is permitted only while actively picking up or dropping off a child, and the driver must remain in the vehicle. Waiting in the zone is not allowed. Fines range from $40 to $80 depending on the location, while fire-route fines begin at $100.
Parking is also prohibited within 10 metres of an intersection, including a T-intersection, even when no sign is posted.
Crossing guards use three whistles
Oshawa crossing guards use a three-whistle system. The first whistle signals that the guard is entering the road and traffic must stop. The second tells children it is safe to cross. The third is used after children have cleared the roadway and the guard is leaving.
Drivers must remain stopped until the crossing is clear and must obey a guard displaying a stop paddle.
School-bus loading zones are restricted
School-bus loading zones are reserved for buses and vehicles under contract to school boards. Other drivers may not stop or park there, even briefly. Fines begin at $45 and rise for repeat offences.
Community safety zones carry enhanced penalties for offences such as speeding and careless driving. The City says municipal law-enforcement officers and Durham Regional Police will be active around schools.
Sources: City of Oshawa; Durham Radio News
