VIDEO: Over 80 school zone traffic tickets issued on first days of classes in Mississauga and Brampton

Drivers are again being warned to slow down and keep an eye out for school buses after more than 80 tickets were handed out in school zones on the first two days of school in Mississauga and Brampton.

Classes were back in session starting this week, and Const. Tyler Bell-Morena with Peel Regional Police says dozens of tickets were issued to drivers on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“One of the drivers was actually pulled over going 99 (km/h) in a posted 40 (km/h zone),” Const. Nikhil Chakravarthy said in a video statement urging drivers to take their time in school zones.

Chakravarthy said that the driver’s licence was suspended, the vehicle was towed and impounded, and the man was charged with speeding and stunt driving.

Peel police were up to 40 charges in school zones as of Wednesday as officers were out in “full force to ensure the safety of our kids” for the start of classes.

Bell-Morena said many of the over 80 tickets handed out in school zones this week were for drivers failing to stop for school buses.

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“These things, they’re bright yellow, flashing red lights, you can see them from outer space – you need to stop,” Bell-Morena said.

Police say failing to stop for a school bus is one of the few charges unde the Highway Traffic Act that is an owner-liable offence, meaning the owner of the vehicle can end up with a ticket if it is observed going through a stop sign.

“We know we’ve just wrapped up a summer of no school buses on the road, and it can be a bit of a shock. Take your time, please be vigilant and drive safe,” Bell-Morena said.

Peel police say they’re taking a zero-tolerance approach to speeders in school zones and drivers not obeying the rules of the road, like stopping for school buses.

Drivers who fail to stop when a bus has flashing red lights activated and stop signs deployed could be fined up to $2,000 and receive six demerit points for a first offence.

In just two days this week, our @PRPRoadSafety officers laid more than 80 HTA charges in relation to school zone enforcement!

Please be extra vigilant when driving and remember to stop for school buses when you see the 🛑

Drive safe! pic.twitter.com/VhEcKYQ0vA

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) September 6, 2024