The OPP and District of Muskoka are putting kids first.
On a daily basis, Huntsville OPP patrol schools zones in Huntsville and Lake of Bays as a way of being visible and hopefully deterring motorist from driving poorly or in a manner that creates risks for pedestrians, cyclists and students. In keeping with this theme, the Huntsville OPP approached the District of Muskoka to partner in making all Huntsville schools on District maintained roadways Community Safety Zones. The District of Muskoka took this initiative even further and proposed doing this for all school zones located on District maintained roadways. Recently, the District of Muskoka designated all schools as Community Safety Zones in OPP patrolled areas throughout Muskoka. As of this week, Community Safety Zone signage has been installed at all locations and the community should be aware to slow down in these zones.
A School Zone is a designated stretch of roadway, recognized under provincial legislation, which includes school safety zone signs (amber flashing lights) and a variety of measures such as crossing guards, watch your speed signs, improved pavement makings, among other possible improvements.
The ultimate goals of this initiative is to reduce the risks to vulnerable road users, such as students, pedestrians and cyclists. Designating these School Zones as Community Safety Zones supports this goal by increasing the fines for speeding violations.
Example of fines in a Community Safety Zone (CSZ) + Victim Surcharge fee (VS)
Km/h over posted limit NON-CSZ Basic FINE Community Safety Zone FINE
10 km/h over $25.00 + VS = $40.00 $50.00 + VS = $65.00
20 km/h over $75.00 + VS = $95.00 $150.00 + VS = $180.00
30 km/h over $180.00 + VS = $220.00 $360.00 + VS = $450.00
In addition to the new signage, the OPP will continue to patrol these areas and any enforcement actions will result in double the fines for that posted community safety zone. (Highway Traffic Act of Ontario section 128)
This partnership has allowed the OPP to enhance the safety and enforcement of rules of the road in the areas our children and families walk through every day.
It should be noted that although e-bikes and motorized scooters should not be exceeding 40km/h in any instance, they are not to be operated on a sidewalk and must follow the same rules of the road, including obeying traffic laws. Riders must also be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet, and maintain these modes of transportation in good working order.
Driving on Ontario roadways is a privilege and it is up to all drivers to be aware of their own driving and ensure they are doing so within the law and safely.
