We are slowly dipping our toe back into the waters of the school year.
The Town of Milton is getting ready for the first day of school with an emphasis on road safety around the community. The Town is installing 11 new pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) and one new four-way stop in residential communities this September.
A new four-way stop will be created at Hearst Boulevard and Ferguson Drive and the new PXOs will be located in the following intersections with many of them located in school communities:
- Knight Trail and Higgins Drive
- Woodward Avenue and Robarts Drive
- Dixon Drive and Hatton Crossing
- Clark Boulevard and Watson Terrace
- Bennett Boulevard and Hutchinson Avenue
- Wilson Drive between Woodward Avenue and Mackenzie Drive
- Bennett Boulevard and Hepburn Road
- Sauve Street (near house #659)
- McLaughlin Avenue and Serafini Crescent
- Trudeau Drive and Union Gas Trail
- Whitlock Avenue and Walnut Landing
The Town of Milton describes a PXO as “a type of crossing where drivers and cyclists are required to stop for pedestrians intending to cross the road.” They add that drivers and cyclists must allow pedestrians to cross the full width of the road before proceeding. PXOs are marked by signs, pavement markings and, in some cases, pedestrian-activated flashing lights.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is also taking part in road safety as the school year begins, launching their annual Project Safe Start campaign.
Motorists are reminded to follow all school zone rules and traffic regulations and:
- Be alert and watch for children and pedestrians when nearing a school crossing or a PXO
- Wait until both pedestrians and crossing guards are completely off the road before proceeding
- Use designated drop off zones, not busy streets or intersections
- Slow down and prepare to stop if you’re behind or approaching a school bus
- Stop for all school buses with flashing lights and activated stop arms as the bus will be picking up or dropping off passengers
Students and pedestrians walking or cycling to school are reminded to:
- Stop, look, and listen before crossing the road
- Be seen, follow pedestrian safety signals and be aware
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you go
- Avoid distractions like texting, talking on your cellphone and wearing headphones when crossing the street
- Avoid jaywalking and always cross at pedestrian crossings
- Always wear a helmet if cycling to school, ride in the same direction as traffic and use designated bike lanes where available
For high school students taking Milton Transit, School Special service will start on Tuesday, September 5th. For schedules visit the Milton Transit website.
For more information about back-to-school safety visit the Town of Milton website. Residents can also follow the Town of Milton on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for traffic safety reminders.
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