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Community Safety Zones

school area speed limit sign
road signs indicating the beginning and end of a community safety zone speed limit

Community Safety Zonehave been created in school areas in Amherstview, Odessa and Amherst IslandThese zones are clearly signposted for a maximum driving speed of 40 km/h and are sections of road where public safety is of special concern

Additional signs are posted at the entry and exit points showing the legal limits of the zone. Rules of the road do not change inside the designated zones, but the penalties for violations are significantly increased. Speed limits outside the zone are not affected. 

Community Safety Zones are areas with lots of pedestrians, typically near schools and signposted to reinforce safe and careful driving. Traffic fines are doubled in these zones to encourage drivers to slow down  and drive carefully. Where there are no posted speed limits, the MTO Driver's Handbook states that the maximum speed is 50km/h in cities, towns and villages.

  • Amherst Drive

  • Briscoe Street

  • Durham Street

  • Fairfield Boulevard

  • Front Road

  • Kildare Avenue

  • North Street

  • Park Crescent

  • Upper Park Crescent

  • Church Street (County Road 7 - signage to be installed shortly)

  • Main Street (County Road 2 - signage to be installed shortly)

These roads have Community Safety Zones, but do not have reduced speed limits.

map of community safety zone in Amherst Island

map of community safety zone in Amherstview

 

Bath street map highlighting Church Street

map of community safety zone in Odessa

FAQs

Resolution 2024-144 on June 11, 2024

  1. That the report from the Engineering and Environment Division, June 11, 2024 re: School Zone Safety Review, be received;

  2. That By-law 2024-65, being a By-law to Designate Community Safety Zones, be adopted;

  3. That By-law 2024-66, being a By-law to amend By-law 2007-031 and Repeal By-law 2019-026 Loyalist Township Parking By-law, be adopted; and

  4. That the proposed policy, Establishing a Community Safety Zone, be adopted.

Highway Traffic Act

In June 1998, the Province of Ontario passed Bill 26 to promote public safety through the creation of Community Safety Zones. The bill, and its regulatory changes, are targeted at improving road safety in Ontario. Under section 214.1 of the Highway Traffic Act, "The Council of a municipality may by by-law 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 a highway."

It is a designated area where additional measures are put in place to increase safety, typically around schools, playgrounds, and residential areas. These measures can include stricter speed limits, increased police presence, and enhanced road signage.

They help protect vulnerable populations such as children and pedestrians. By enforcing stricter safety regulations, these zones aim to reduce accidents and improve overall safety in the area.

  • Around schools (both primary and secondary)

  • Near playgrounds and recreational areas

  • In residential neighborhoods with high pedestrian or traffic

  • Areas with high accident rates or traffic concerns

Report any unsafe conditions or concerns to Loyalist Township Roads Department. Providing details and specific locations can help us address the issue more effectively. Unsafe Driving behaviour, including speeding and reckless driving, should be directed to the Local OPP Detachment in Odessa

Provincial legislation allows automated enforcement. These programs can include speed cameras/light boards, automated speed indication signage for drivers and increased patrols by traffic officers. Targeted safety campaigns can educate drivers about the important of safety measures and containing vehicle speed where there are likely to be many pedestrians. 

The decision usually lies with the local government or municipality and often made by city council, town council, County Council or other relevant local governing body. Before designating an area as a community safety zone, a number of factors are considered: traffic flow, accident history, proximity to schools or other high-risk areas, and community input.

Contact Us

Loyalist Township
Box 70, 263 Main Street
Odessa, Ontario K0H 2H0
Tel: 613-386-7351
info@loyalist.ca

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