By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
As students across Halton Region return to school this week, the Halton Regional Police Service has launched its 18th annual Project Safe Start campaign to promote road safety and remind motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to stay alert.
With thousands of students heading back to classrooms in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills, police say residents can expect an increased presence near schools and community safety zones. Officers will be monitoring traffic, enforcing speed limits and engaging with the public to reinforce the campaign’s central message: Always Be Cautious — the ABCs of road safety.
“We know how special September is and how excited students are to head back to the classroom, but we also must remember the need to slow down and stay alert,” said Chief Stephen Tanner. “Whether you’re behind the wheel, a cyclist or a pedestrian, safety always comes first. It’s our commitment to ensure our region’s children return to school safely.”
Tanner said road safety is a year-round priority and emphasized the importance of education and enforcement in keeping Halton safe.
To support the campaign, police issued several safety reminders:
Using a hand-held device while driving — whether texting, emailing or talking — is a provincial offence under the Highway Traffic Act.
Motorists must obey posted speed limits, especially in community safety zones marked by flashing 40 km/h signs.
Drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs and proceed only when safe.
Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs, is never acceptable and endangers everyone on the road.
Residents are encouraged to report traffic violations or request enforcement in specific areas through the Halton police website. In emergencies, call 911.
Throughout September, police will share safety tips and campaign updates on social media, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, using the hashtag #SafeStart.
The Halton Regional Police Service is the ninth-largest police service in Ontario, serving more than 650,000 residents in one of the fastest-growing regions in the Greater Toronto Area. The population is expected to reach 897,000 by 2031.
As families settle into the school-year routine, Project Safe Start 2025 serves as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility — and that together, Halton can ensure every child gets to school and home safely.
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