Town of Milton’s Back-to-School Reminder: Obey Rules of the Road at Pedestrian Crossings

The Town of Milton is reminding motorists and pedestrians about the rules for and the differences between school crossings and pedestrian crossovers to ensure the safety of children returning to school this fall.

“There is nothing more important in my mind than the welfare of our youngest residents,” said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. “We are reminding motorists to be highly attentive in watching for schoolchildren and their parents at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers, and to comply with the law.”

At school crossings, motorists must stop for school crossing guards and wait until pedestrians and crossing guards are completely off the road before proceeding. Pedestrians should be aware that without a crossing guard, motorists are not required by law to stop at the crossing. Cyclists and scooter riders must walk bikes and scooters in the crossing.

A pedestrian crossover is a designated crossing area that allows pedestrians to cross the road safely where vehicles must stop for the pedestrian. Pedestrian crossovers are identified by specific pavement markings and crossing signs. Some crossovers, like the ones located at Main Street and Hugh Lane, and Martin Street at Millside Drive, also have poles, flashing beacons above the signs and pedestrian push buttons.

At pedestrian crossovers, motorists must stop for pedestrians crossing the road and wait until the pedestrians are completely off the road before proceeding. Pedestrians should push the button for flashing lights, if applicable, indicate their intention to cross, make eye contact to ensure the driver sees them and wait for traffic to stop. Cyclists and scooter riders must walk bikes and scooters in the crossings.

Town by-law enforcement staff are also reminding residents who drive their children to school to obey parking by-laws and be mindful of parking signage near schools to ensure traffic flows smoothly and safely, and to avoid getting a parking ticket.

For more information on school crossings and pedestrian crossovers, visit www.milton.ca/crossingguards