The safety of children is important to everyone in our community. Pedestrian activity is traditionally more prevalent in proximity to schools, particularly during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
City of St Catharines parking enforcement officers attend school patrols regularly and are assigned to schools at the request of neighbours, school administrators, and parent councils.
The parking enforcement officer’s role is to ensure that parking and traffic regulations are followed, which improves safety for everyone.
If you choose to transport a student to school, please remember to drive safely, and not just in front of the school. Children are unpredictable and may be difficult to see as they walk or bike to school.
Here are some additional safety tips driving a student to school:
- Plan ahead and allow enough time to get the student to school.
- Obey all parking and traffic regulations.
- Do not double park and minimize idling.
- Do not park in or block private driveways. Confirm with business owners if you can use their parking.
- Obey crossing guards and do not proceed until the crossing guard has cleared the roadway.
- Stop for school buses when the lights are flashing and stop arm is out.
- When possible, pick up and drop off students on the school side of the street to avoid having to cross the street.
- Yield to children walking and biking around the school.
- Pay attention. Do not text or use your phone while driving.
Parking regulations around schools: