The School Crossing Guard Section is responsible for the development and maintenance of an effective school traffic safety program. The mandate of the program is to ensure children can cross streets safely as they travel to and from school. There are approximately 250 school crossing guard locations throughout the City of Hamilton.
If you are concerned about the safety of children crossing at a certain location, you can contact the School Crossing Office at (905) 546-2200, stating the location, number of children, schools in the area, posted traffic speed and other pertinent information. Staff will survey the location and report their findings in a recommendation to City Council for their approval.
School Safety Training
The start of school can be a very emotional experience for both children and their parents. These are the developmental years for children and influencing their habits can be easily achieved.
Exposure to traffic is one new situation that children must deal with. Children between the ages of four and seven usually have little if any education relating to the proper way to walk to and from school. The School Safety Training Program attempts to educate on how to safely cross City streets under various conditions.
Upon request from a school, experienced staff from the School Crossing program will provide instruction to students on the appropriate way to cross the street. Instructions can be provided in a formal setting to a large group of children or in a less formal classroom setting. It is suggested that this instruction is restricted to kindergarten and grade one students, as they are more likely to be influenced and require this type of instruction to prevent development of poor safety habits. Instructions can be provided to higher school grades under special circumstances.
The children are instructed on how to cross the street safely under several conditions:
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At a location where there are stop signs.
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At a location with traffic signals.
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At a location with a school crossing guard.
Consideration is given when instructing the children to simplify the topic to a level they can easily understand. Active participation is encouraged and the use of props such as a miniature traffic signal, crosswalk lines and school-crossing stop sign are part of the presentation.
In each case, it is emphasized that they should STOP, LOOK and LISTEN prior to crossing the street. An explanation is given as to what to look and listen for. General safety tips are discussed including where to walk on the sidewalk, how to carry toys and to walk their bikes across the street.
The School Safety Training Program is only intended to be a beginning to comprehending and using proper safety rules. Each program package includes additional material intended for parents to use to further educate their children. The “Kidestrian” guide developed by volunteers and City staff is an excellent training tool.
In addition to teaching children how to cross the street safely, parking in the vicinity of schools and the safety of children is paramount in all our neighbourhoods. During morning arrival and evening dismissal, there is a “beehive” of activity in the immediate vicinity of schools. Children walking to and from school and the high volume of drivers dropping off and picking up children can potentially create an unsafe situation.
To improve safety around schools, various parking regulations are enforced. When motorists obey these regulations they are creating a safer environment. The following regulations are commonly found around schools:
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No Parking – means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when standing temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers. The set fine for this violation is $33.00 or $26.00 if paid within 7 working days.
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No Stopping – means the halting of a vehicle, even momentarily, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a constable or other police officer or of a traffic control sign or signal. The set fine for this violation is $75.00 or $60.00 if paid within 7 working days.
If your School Crossing Guard did not show up, call 905-546-2200 immediately. Staff are in the office between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. In the meantime, go to the school and ask the Principal/teachers for assistance.