Dozens of tickets dished out to drivers in school zones in Mississauga, Brampton

Police have handed out more than 40 tickets in Mississauga and Brampton school zones so far on Wednesday as they clamp down on speeders and other offenders who put the safety of young students at risk as they return to classes.

And Peel Regional Police Road Safety Services officers won’t be shy in doling out more fines to those who disobey the posted speed limit or flashing lights on stopped school buses.

Once again, police are taking a zero tolerance approach as they step up enforcement efforts in school areas/community safety zones in both cities throughout the first week of the school year.

They urge drivers and others to be especially careful on roads, driveways and sidewalks around schools as tens of thousands of young students return to classes across Mississauga and Brampton.

Peel police Const. Richard Chin said officers are out in “full force to ensure the safety of our kids” as they begin another academic year.

In a short video posted to social media on Wednesday, Chin reminded drivers to be especially careful in school zones.

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“Make sure you pay attention to your speed,” he said. “You’re going to want to make sure you’re looking out for little ones because sometimes they’re not paying attention and they’re going to jump out in front of you. So, please let’s keep everybody safe.”

City of Mississauga officials also urge everyone to be safe in school zones as kids return to classes. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

In addition to speeding drivers, police participating in the annual safety campaign are also on the lookout for motorists who disobey rules related to stopping for school buses.

Police patrolling the school zones will also deliver the safety message to cyclists and pedestrians in addition to drivers.

Officers remind motorists and others that when a school bus has stopped and activated its flashing red lights, all vehicles travelling behind or approaching the bus must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus. Drivers who fail to stop when the flashing red lights are activated and the stop sign deployed face a fine between $400 and $2,000 and will receive six demerit points for their first offence. Penalties are considerably harsher for subsequent convictions.

Parents are also encouraged by police to go over safety rules with their children as school resumes.