Slowing down in school zones

The City of Mississauga is reminding drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users to slow down and stay alert as school zones, crossings and neighbourhood streets become noticeably busier in the coming days.

With more traffic and activity on the road, the risk of collisions rises, according to a City of Mississauga news release. Children can move suddenly and unexpectedly, so all road users are encouraged to stay focused so everyone reaches their destination safely.

The City is also reminding families that it is illegal and unsafe for kids under 16 to ride an e-scooter. While e-scooters may look easy and fun, the City says they are motorized vehicles that require a higher level of physical control, awareness and decision-making. Non-electric scooters and bicycles are safer choices for younger riders, helping them build balance, coordination and road safety skills.

MiWay service changes start September 7

For students who take transit, MiWay is making changes starting September 7. Route 110 University Express will run more often between City Centre Transit Terminal and Clarkson GO Station, and Route 110A University Express will be discontinued, with its service merged into Route 110.

MiWay is also resuming service on routes that support school travel and introducing a new secondary school route, 305 Streetsville SS, operating between Meadowvale Village and Streetsville Secondary School.

Passengers should remember that e-scooters and e-bikes are not allowed on MiWay buses or on the bike racks.

Crossing guards and school safety programs

More than 215 school crossing guards at more than 160 locations will be ready on the first day of school, helping children from kindergarten to Grade 5 cross the road safely.

The City's Mississauga School Traffic Safety Action Committee conducts site inspections and safety reviews at or near schools on request, which helps identify opportunities to improve safety for students and all road users.

The City also runs a School Walking Routes program that promotes active travel — walking, biking or using a wheelchair or other mobility device — to and from school. School Route signs installed around neighbourhoods guide students on their way and alert drivers to watch for children.

Parking rules and new enforcement technology

The City warns that ignoring parking, stopping and fire route signs can make a school zone less safe. Drivers dropping off students should use the school's Kiss n' Ride if one exists, or consider parking safely a block away and walking the rest of the way. Parking safety concerns can be reported by calling 311.

Beginning October 1, the City's Parking Services will expand its use of Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) technology through LPR-equipped enforcement vehicles. The technology captures licence plate information from illegally parked vehicles, allowing penalty notices to be mailed directly to registered vehicle owners. It will initially be used in school zones to improve road safety and traffic flow, with an expansion to other locations across the city planned for next year.

Because penalty notices will be mailed to the address on file with a vehicle's licence plate registration, the City encourages vehicle owners to make sure their address information with the Ministry of Transportation is up to date.

More road safety information and tips are available at mississauga.ca/roadsafety.