Durham Region Reminds Drivers to Slow Down in School Zones as Classes Resume

On September 4, 2025, the Region of Durham issued an advisory reminding drivers to slow down and remain alert in school zones as students have returned to class. The advisory also calls on all road users to exercise extra caution due to increased pedestrian and cyclist activity near schools at this time of year.

The advisory outlines traffic laws and safety measures currently in effect in Clarington and other communities within Durham Region during the school year, when school zones see increased use by children and families.

According to the Region of Durham, drivers must come to a complete stop when behind or approaching a school bus with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm extended. Drivers may not proceed until the bus moves or the warning signals have been deactivated. The Region states that this law applies on every road, regardless of speed limit or number of lanes.

The Region advises parents and caregivers to remind children to cross at designated crossings or signalized intersections and to wait until roads are clear and all vehicles and cyclists have come to a full stop before crossing. The Region also encourages pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to allow extra travel time near schools and to take care during busy periods.

According to the advisory, Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras are currently active in school zones and designated community safety zones throughout Durham Region, and the cameras are rotated between different sites. Information about ASE camera locations is available at durham.ca/ASE.