School Patrol Program | Calgary Parking
Welcome to Calgary Parking's School Patrol Program
Educating parents and caregivers on safe parking practices while enforcing parking regulations for the safety of all children in Calgary.
Every child in our city deserves the opportunity to get to and from school safely and they count on people who drive to watch out, slow down, give space and park smart.
Calgary Parking's School Patrol program is designed to keep children safe, especially during busy school pick-up and drop-off times. It also helps parents, guardians, and caregivers who drive children to school understand the importance of safe parking practices around elementary schools so they can make the best choices for the safety of every child.
Why safe parking matters
Parking safely around schools isn't just about following the rules—it's about protecting the lives of our kids because they are counting on us to keep them safe. When it comes to our children's safety, every action counts. Here's why it's so important:
- Preventing Accidents: Unsafe parking practices, like double-parking or blocking crosswalks, can create dangerous situations where other drivers might not see children. Safe parking helps prevent accidents and injuries.
- Reducing Congestion: Proper parking helps to ease traffic flow, making it safer for everyone—whether they're walking, wheeling, or driving.
- Setting a Good Example: Children learn from what they see. When you park safely and follow the rules, you teach your kids about responsibility, safety and respect for others.
What we do
Our School Patrol Program is more than just monitoring parking—it's about creating a culture of safety and responsibility around schools. Your participation is key to making this program a success. We offer:
- On-Site Safety Education: We regularly visit schools across the city to educate parents, caregivers and children about the importance of safe parking tips to keep kids safe. Our focus on education means you'll receive guidance and support rather than just penalties.
- Enforcement: While education is our priority, we enforce parking regulations (when necessary) to maintain a safe environment for children.
Tracking progress and compliance
We track parking safety by recording the number of parking violations, compliance rates and feedback from the School Patrol team to monitor how well the school community follows safety guidelines. We also gather feedback from schools and parents to continuously improve the program. Our goal is to maintain safer parking and fewer violations each year.
Working together to keep children safe
Our kids are counting on us to keep them safe and our dedicated School Patrol team is here to support you. We invite all parents, caregivers and community members to join us in this important effort.
Let's work together to maintain safe parking practices around schools.
FAQs
What are the busiest times for pick-up and drop-off?
The busiest times are usually 30 minutes before school starts and right after school ends. Following all parking and traffic rules is especially important to keep things running smoothly and safely during these times.
What should I do when I'm dropping off my child at school?
Always park in designated parking areas or drop-off zones and never stop in the middle of the road. Avoid parking in bus zones, near crosswalks, or any place that could block the view of other drivers or children. Make sure your child exits the vehicle on the sidewalk side, away from traffic.
How do I know where it's safe to park?
Look for signs and markings around the school that indicate where you can and cannot park. The School Patrol team will also be there to guide you. If you're unsure, ask them—they're happy to help.
What should I do if I'm running late and can't find parking?
If you're running late, following all parking rules is still important. Rushing can lead to accidents. Park safely and walk your child to the school entrance if needed. It's better to park a little farther away and walk your child to the school than to park in a restricted or unsafe area. We understand and appreciate your effort to keep everyone safe.
What happens if I don't follow the parking rules?
Our focus is on education first, but safety is the top priority. If you don't follow the parking rules, you may receive a warning or a ticket from our School Patrol team or other enforcement officers. But more importantly, unsafe parking can put children at risk and create hazards for other drivers.
What should I do if I receive a parking ticket?
If you receive a parking ticket, it's important to address it promptly. The ticket will have instructions on how to pay a ticket or appeal a ticket. Remember, the goal of the School Patrol is to encourage safe practices, not just to issue tickets.
When is the School Patrol team active?
The School Patrol team is active during the busiest times of the school day—usually during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. These are the times when it's most important to be extra careful about parking and driving around the school.
Does the Calgary Parking School Patrol team visit all elementary schools every day?
Our Parking Safety & Compliance Officers attend schools during busy times to provide guidance on safe parking practices and answer any questions or concerns. However, with over 150 elementary schools across the city, we can't attend every school every day, so we hope you can help spread the word.
Why does Calgary Parking prioritize education over enforcement during school patrol?
The culture of educating parents, caregivers, and children about safe parking practices is the best way to prevent accidents and create long-lasting positive habits. By focusing on education, we hope to build a community where everyone understands the rules and the reasons behind them, leading to safer school environments without relying on strict enforcement.
Why does the School Patrol team issue tags?
Tags remind parents and caregivers of safe parking practices. They help educate the community and encourage everyone to follow the rules, creating a safer environment for children.
What is Calgary Parking's long-term goal for the School Patrol program?
Our long-term goal for the School Patrol program is to create a safe and respectful environment around schools where everyone follows the parking rules and prioritizes the safety of children during the school year.
How can I teach my child about safe parking and driving?
You can set an excellent example for your child by always following safe parking practices. Talk to them about why it's important to park safely and obey the rules. Children learn by watching, so your actions can help them understand the importance of safety. You can also encourage them to remind you to be cautious and to help look out for other children.
How can I help improve safety around my child's school?
You can help improve safety by always following parking rules, listening to the School Patrol team, and encouraging other parents and caregivers to do the same. The more everyone cooperates, the safer the school environment will be for all our kids.
What if I have a concern about parking at my child's school?
If you have any concerns about parking safety at your child's school, please contact our School Patrol team or your school administration. We'll investigate and take the necessary steps to address the situation. Please don't try to confront the driver yourself. We're here to listen and help find solutions that work for everyone.
