Back-to-School

Police ramp up road safety as schools reopen

Local Journalism Initiative / The Suburban / September 25, 2025 / Back-to-School, Chelsey St-Pierre, SPVM

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

As students return to classrooms across Montreal and the rest of Quebec, police forces are stepping up their presence around school zones, reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert. Both Montreal police (SPVM) and Quebec provincial police (SQ) are launching targeted operations during the back-to-school period to reinforce safe driving habits and protect children as they travel to and from school.

SPVM officers, in collaboration with neighbourhood stations, road safety teams, and motorcycle units, will be active around school zones during peak hours. The goal is to encourage drivers to obey speed limits, watch for signage, and be mindful of increased pedestrian activity. The start of the school year is particularly busy, and police say heightened vigilance is critical.

Last year, the results spoke for themselves: between August 26 and September 20, 2024, SPVM handed out 8,571 traffic tickets across Montreal, for violations in or near school zones.

Outside the city, the SQ is also increasing patrols near schools from August 25 to September 5. With students back on the roads, the number of school buses, crossing guards, cyclists, and pedestrians rises sharply. SQ is reminding all drivers to be patient, follow the rules, and help ensure a safe start to the school year.

Several key regulations are being emphasized. Speed limits in school zones are strictly enforced, and fines for speeding during school hours — typically 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, September through June — are doubled. If there’s no posted signage, these hours apply automatically. Drivers and cyclists must stop at least five metres behind any school bus or minibus with flashing red lights or an extended stop sign.

When traffic is being directed by a police officer, crossing guard, or construction flagger, their instructions take priority over all other signals and signs. At crosswalks, vehicles must stop when a pedestrian is crossing or showing intent to cross.

Both the SPVM and SQ are also urging parents to follow posted rules around schools, particularly in bus zones, no-parking areas, and designated drop-off points. Unsafe actions—like double-parking or making U-turns — can create dangerous situations for children and other road users.

These measures are part of a province-wide strategy to improve road safety through partnerships, education, and targeted enforcement.

With the new school year underway, both police forces are asking everyone behind the wheel to be patient and cautious. A few extra moments of attention can make all the difference in keeping kids safe. n

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Ensuring a Safe Back-to-School Transition

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / August 30, 2024 / Back-to-School, Maria Diamantis, Safe, Transition

Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist

As the new school year begins, the Sûreté du Québec is taking proactive measures to enhance safety around school zones. From August 26 to September 6, 2024, police officers will be increasing their presence near schools to help manage the influx of traffic and ensure that students can return to their studies in a safe environment.

The start of the school year brings a noticeable increase in road traffic, primarily due to the greater number of school buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and crossing guards on the streets. This surge in activity around school zones highlights the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to traffic safety rules. By following these rules, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can all contribute to a safer environment for everyone, particularly for children who are more vulnerable near roadways.

One of the most critical aspects of ensuring safety in school zones is strict compliance with speed limits. Speeding in these areas can have serious consequences, as children may unexpectedly step into the road or be less visible to drivers. During school hours, which are defined as 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September to June, the penalties for speeding in school zones are significantly increased. Fines are doubled to emphasize the importance of driving at safe speeds where children are present.

In addition to obeying speed limits, it is essential for drivers to understand and respect the rules regarding school buses. When a school bus or minibus activates its flashing red lights or extends its stop sign, all vehicles, including cyclists, must come to a complete stop at a distance of at least five meters. This rule is in place to ensure that children can safely enter and exit the bus without the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle.

The role of crossing guards and traffic controllers is also crucial in maintaining order and safety around schools. Their signals and instructions must be followed without exception, even if they differ from standard traffic signs. These individuals are positioned to manage the flow of traffic in response to the specific needs of school zones, and their guidance is designed to protect the lives of students and other pedestrians.

Furthermore, drivers must exercise caution when approaching pedestrian crosswalks. If a pedestrian signals their intention to cross, vehicles must stop to allow them to pass safely. Pedestrian crosswalks are often located near schools, where children are likely to cross the street, making it even more important for drivers to be attentive and prepared to stop.

Parents also play a vital role in maintaining safety around schools. When dropping off their children, they should do so in designated areas that are specifically set up to manage the flow of traffic and prevent dangerous maneuvers. Avoiding double parking or stopping in no-parking zones helps to minimize risks and ensures that other drivers can see and avoid pedestrians, especially young children who may be harder to spot.

For those seeking further information on traffic regulations and safety measures in school zones, the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) provides comprehensive resources. By visiting their website at SAAQ Road Safety, parents, drivers, and community members can access guidelines that will help keep everyone safe during this busy back-to-school period.

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