Durham Region is reminding motorists to keep safety in mind as students head back to class – especially while driving through school zones.

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras are currently operational in school zones and designated community safety zones throughout the region, rotating on a regular basis.

“During the 2020/2021 school year, many students were learning from home so there was a decrease in the number of children walking or riding bikes to school. As in-person learning starts up again, drivers need to slow down, stay focused, and watch for cyclists and pedestrians; and pedestrians must ensure they always cross the road at a designated crossing or signalized intersection,” said Ramesh Jagannathan, Director of Transportation and Field Services for the Region of Durham.

“With more people on the roads, please give yourself extra time to get to your destination and drive with care to protect the safety of our children.”

The Region also uses a speed radar feedback sign program to improve driver awareness of speed limits and reduce aggressive driving in school zones and Community Safety Zones. In Community Safety Zones, fines for traffic offences—such as speeding or traffic signal infractions—are doubled.