Back to school parking tips

Back-to-school season means busy streets, excited kids and the hunt for suitable parking spots around schools. As kids head back to school, let's make sure they get dropped off and picked up safely!

Here are six safe parking practices that are easy to remember when parking around schools:

• Keep crosswalks clear: Never stop or park within 5 meters of a crosswalk. This blocks the view of other drivers and puts kids at risk.
• Be patient: If you're running late, please stay calm, be patient and remain courteous. Remember that, like you, every other parent and caregiver also wants to safely get their kids to and from school.
• Keep your car in park (during pick-up): If you're waiting for your child, make sure your vehicle is in park. Accidental movement can be dangerous in busy school zones.
• Watch out for kids: Be extra careful when backing out of parking spots or driving near the school. Kids can be hard to see and might not always look before crossing the street.
• Be visible: If it's dark or the weather is bad, make sure your headlights are on and your vehicle is visible to other drivers and pedestrians.
• Avoid parking in bus zones: School buses need space to pick up and drop off students. Parking in their zones can cause delays and make it hard for buses to operate safely.

Watch out, slow down, give space and park smart.

Every child in our city deserves the opportunity to safely get to and from school. Your actions around schools can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.  Remember, our kids are counting on you to keep them safe!