The return of school is right around the corner, and that means roads will be bustling with students walking, cycling, and riding the bus.
Beginning Tues., Sept. 8, Barrie Police officers will be conducting traffic enforcement in and around school zones, with a focus on speeding, distracted driving, and other risky behaviours.
“Back to school is a good reminder to reset your driving habits. Slow down in school zones and residential neighbourhoods, put your phone away, and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Children can be unpredictable, and something as simple as a child stepping out from between parked vehicles or running into the road after a ball can happen in seconds,” stated Detective Constable Ron Hunt of the Barrie Police Service Traffic Unit.
Officers use a variety of tools to monitor vehicle speeds, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a light-based remote sensing technology that can measure the speed of an individual vehicle. Police vehicles are also equipped with stationary radar systems that can detect the speed of vehicles approaching from the front, as well as vehicles travelling behind the police vehicle.
Drivers are also reminded to slow down when approaching school buses with amber or red lights flashing and be prepared to stop. When the red lights are flashing, drivers are required by law to stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and it is safe to proceed.
Barrie Police will be monitoring traffic throughout the back-to-school period and taking enforcement action when necessary.
“This isn’t about writing tickets; it’s about getting every child to school and back home safely every day. Slow down, put your phone away and watch for children.” – D/C Hunt
Published: SEP 4, 2026
Source: Barrie Police Service