South Simcoe Police to increase presence in school zones next week

A South Simcoe Police officer is pictured in this undated file image.

With the new school year about to begin, the South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS) will be increasing the presence of officers around schools in Innisfil and Bradford.

The initiative is part of the SSPS Back-to-School Traffic Safety and Awareness campaign that they will be running between Tuesday and Thursday. Officers are set to be present during drop-off and pick-up times to make sure the start of the year goes ‘smoothly and safely.’

“Although this campaign highlights back-to-school safety, traffic enforcement does not end here,” said a SSPS spokesperson in a news release on Friday. “South Simcoe Police remain vigilant, continuing to proactively enforce, and patrol our community roadways year-round to maintain public safety. It’s important that we all continue to do our part to ensure every journey ends with a safe arrival on every road, every day, for everyone.”

The SSPS is reminding drivers that penalties in community safety zones are higher, translating to increased charges for speeding fines and other infractions.

In addition to speeding, the SSPS says officers will also be watching for distracted driving, seatbelt infractions, and other dangerous driving behaviours.

Drivers are also being reminded that traffic in both directions must always stop for school buses when their arm is extended and their lights are flashing.