Trustee sets his sights on school zone speeders. Stephen Blais has requested that the City of Ottawa implement community safety zones, under the Highway Traffic Act, in front of all elementary schools in Ottawa.

“I take the safety of our children very seriously, which is why I am requesting City Council employ the community safety zone to protect our children,” says Trustee Blais. “By doubling the normal fine, along with aggressive enforcement, I hope to send a message to speeders that they are not wanted in our community.”

Under section 214.1 of the Highway Traffic Act municipal councils are given the power “designate a part of a highway under its jurisdiction as a community safety zone if, in the council's opinion, public safety is of special concern on that part of the highway.” The designation of a community safety zone doubles the applicable fine for traffic violations.

Trustee Blais’ motion asks the City of Ottawa to implement a community safety zone within a 1 km radius of all elementary schools in Ottawa. The motion also calls on the City to undertake an aggressive enforcement campaign once the community safety zones are put in place.

“Motorists speeding in school zones are endangering the lives of children who walk to and from school every day,” adds Trustee Blais. “The safety of our children should be of great importance to our entire community.”

In addition to the board motion the Convent Glen Parent Council is beginning an education campaign on the dangers of speeding, especially in school zones.

“We’ve noticed a significant increase in speeding in front of Convent Glen,” says Andrei Kossatkine, Chair of the Convent Glen Catholic Parent Council. “We are looking forward to working with Trustee Blais and the City to educate local residents about the dangers of speeding in school zones.”

The motion will be debated and voted on at the April 14th meeting of the Board.