It was a busy Friday morning for Const. Mason Hoare with the Barrie Police Traffic Unit, with no shortage of speeding drivers passing through school zones in the city’s south end. Const. Hoare says he observes the same type of reckless driving throughout the year and reminds drivers that children often do not pay attention and rely on motorists to be extra vigilant. “A lack of attention. They are not paying attention through school zones and community safety zones,” says Const. Hoare. Many parents and grandparents dropping their children off at school say they are happy to see police enforcement in the area. “The police just being here, their presence, causes people to slow down, and so it’s a great idea to have out,” says Gerry Drummond. A recent CAA survey suggests more than 60 per cent of Ontario parents consider their school zone unsafe. The agency says eight out of 10 parents experience congestion during drop-off and pickup times, while nearly 85 per cent say they have witnessed dangerous driving in a school zone at least once. “Overall the traffic jam that occurs, and it’s kind of always dangerous for the crosswalks,” says one parent passing by Hyde Park Elementary School. “My son, for example, just had his first day in grade one, so it’s a new experience for him, and walking on a busy street is something we all have to keep our wits about ourselves,” says Carson Keays. Police are reminding drivers that speeding fines are increased in school zones. Barrie bylaw officers are also monitoring for illegal parking near schools.
