Back to School Means More Police in Peterborough City and County School Zones

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By Scott Arnold

As students head back to class next week, drivers across Peterborough City and County can expect to see increased traffic enforcement around schools this fall.

As students head back to class next week, drivers across Peterborough City and County can expect to see increased traffic enforcement around schools this fall.

Peterborough County OPP and Peterborough Police Service will increase traffic enforcement in school zones this fall as part of the 2026 Safe School Zone Campaign. (photo by Scott Arnold)

Peterborough County, the Ontario Provincial Police and Peterborough Police Service are joining forces for the 2026 Safe School Zone Campaign, reminding motorists that getting children to and from school safely is everyone's responsibility.

The OPP and PPS will increase their presence in and around school zones, monitoring for offences and issuing tickets when necessary.

For drivers, that means slowing down, staying focused and being prepared for more children, school buses, cyclists and pedestrians on the roads.

Motorists are reminded of a few important rules as the school year gets underway:

  • Stop for school buses when their red overhead lights are flashing.

  • Slow down in school zones and obey posted speed limits.

  • Remember that speeding in a Community Safety Zone results in double the fine.

  • Follow the directions of crossing guards, who have the authority to stop traffic at crosswalks.

  • Do not proceed until a crossing guard has left the roadway.

  • Give cyclists at least one metre of clearance when passing.

  • On multi-lane undivided roads, drivers in both directions must stop for a school bus when its overhead red lights are flashing. This applies when there is no median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

  • Plan ahead and leave extra time so there is less temptation to rush through school zones.

Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark said road safety is a shared responsibility as students return to classrooms.

“We encourage all motorists to slow down, stay focused, and be mindful of the children, families, and school buses travelling throughout our communities,” Clark said. “By planning ahead and exercising patience in school zones, we can create safer roads and support a positive start to the school year for everyone.”

Staff Sergeant Angie Kerr of the Peterborough County OPP said officers will be increasing their presence around schools to help raise awareness among drivers.

“By encouraging motorists to respect posted speed limits, drive distraction-free, and stay alert for crossing guards and students, we can all play a role in ensuring a safe and successful return to school for every child,” Kerr said.

Peterborough Police Service Chief Stuart Betts also encouraged motorists to be aware of the increased activity around local schools.

“We expect motorists to be aware that more young people will be on and adjacent to our roadways, and that reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures exist in many Community Safety Zones,” Betts said.

The campaign comes with some sobering reminders. According to the release, September is the most dangerous month for pedestrians in Canada for fatalities, based on Transport Canada data from 2017. CAA polling from 2019 also identified speeding, illegal parking or stopping, and distracted driving as the top three unsafe motorist behaviours observed in Canadian school zones.

The police services are urging drivers to take the extra time, pay attention and expect the unexpected as students return to the roads and sidewalks.

A little patience behind the wheel can make a big difference for children, families, crossing guards and school staff throughout Peterborough County.


Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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