More than 140 school zones in Brampton are getting “enhanced” signage as the city explores equipping buses with automated stop-arm cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass school vehicles.

The new enhanced signs are part of the Province of Ontario’s changes to the Highway Traffic Act and were introduced after Premier Doug Ford spearheaded a campaign to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across the province. The signs are much larger than traditional school zone markers and will require some $12,400 in annual maintenance, according to the city.

Enhanced Signs

Brampton’s 141 school zones will have oversized signage, with 30 of approximately 400 signs installed as of April 24, and the city said on Tuesday that signs are being installed approximately 150 metres from school property lines. Some will have flashing beacons, and warning signs will also be installed between 150 and 200 metres before school zones.

“Enhanced school zones, crossing guards and new enforcement tools are helping protect students, families and vulnerable road users while creating safer neighbourhoods across Brampton,” Mayor Patrick Brown said in a release following a press conference about back-to-school safety initiatives in the city.

Red Light Cameras

Automated speed cameras were a key part of Brampton’s road safety plan until the ban last November, and the city has had to find other safety solutions as well as a new use for its nearly $78-million ASE processing centre.

The city wants to bring 20 new red-light cameras to Brampton streets, at a cost of $205,000 for camera installation and another $40,000 for software configuration and enhancement, a report reads. The report says it would take another $3.56 million to get the program up and running.

The city has also deployed seven Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) enforcement vehicles this year as part of ongoing road safety efforts and enhanced parking enforcement operations across Brampton.

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School Bus Cameras

Brown is calling for Brampton school buses to be equipped with automated school bus stop-arm camera systems – a technology designed to catch drivers who illegally pass a school bus while its stop-arm is extended.

Failing to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended carries a fine of $400 to $2,000 and 6 demerit points for a first offence in Ontario.

And while the technology won’t be in place for this school year, the mayor has asked city staff to work with stakeholders like school boards, school bus operators and enforcement partners to explore bringing automated cameras to Brampton buses.

E-scooter Safety

Brampton has its own e-scooter pilot program, and the city says back-to-school safety includes knowing how to share the road and safely operate e-bikes and e-scooters.

E-scooter riders must be 16 years of age or older under Ontario laws and must:

Wear a helmet, which is mandatory for riders under 18.
Obey traffic laws, signals and signs.
Travel at a safe speed of 24 km/h or less.
Only use regulated kick-style e-scooters and e-bikes
Ride on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less, bike lanes or multi-use paths.
Stay alert and avoid distractions.
Ride alone, with no passengers or cargo.
Never ride on sidewalks.

For more information on back-to-school safety in Brampton, visit www.brampton.ca/roadsafety.​


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