Timmins motorists are blowing by crossing guards, school buses; police say
The Timmins Police Service is stepping up patrols in a particular school safety zone after receiving an increase in the number of complaints about motorists disobeying crossing guards and school buses when their stop signs are out. Police say people are blowing by them and it is putting children, other motorists and the public in danger.
The particular area of concern is the one in front of O'Gorman Intermediate Catholic School. A crossing guard who did not want to give his name, told CTV News he's seen drivers go right by him while he's holding up his stop sign or when school busses have lights flashing and stop signs out.
“They did try to their best to resolve the situation as best they could by being more present and stepping in where they could but nonetheless their frustration has grown to the point where the police have to be involved," said Marc Depatie, the communications coordinator for Timmins Police.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Const. Christopher Gauthier said that on average he issues 20 to 30 charges within a school year for such offences.
Const. Evan Mackey said choosing to drive by a bus with the safety arm deployed is a serious offence.
“It has a monetary fine up to hovering around $490 and (the loss of) six demerit points,” said Mackey.
“All together it’s a very avoidable occurrence if people just, you know, respect the stop sign deployed and stop when appropriate."
Police said this area will be closely monitored to ensure everyone's safety and they suggest motorists consider an alternate route to avoid this high traffic area during peak hours.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Canada to send more weapons to Ukraine, Trudeau says on trip to Kyiv
Canada will spend $500 million to help Ukraine's military fight Russia's invasion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, including more weapons and fighter-pilot training.

Here's how some of Canada's wildfires compare in size to cities, lakes
Fires across the country are burning millions of hectares of land but what does that really look like? CTVNews.ca compared the blazes to some cities and lakes in the country showing just how big they have gotten.
David Johnston resigns as foreign interference special rapporteur, citing 'highly partisan atmosphere'
Foreign interference special rapporteur David Johnston has resigned, CTV News has confirmed. In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Johnston cited the intense politicization of his appointment and work, as the reason for his coming departure.
'See it with my own eyes': Canadian teen in war-torn Ukraine to film documentary
A Ukrainian-Canadian teenager is on an emotional journey to capture the destruction of the Russian invasion, including of his childhood home, on camera.
Donald Trump stored, showed off and refused to return classified documents, indictment says
Former U.S. president Donald Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, according to an indictment unsealed Friday that alleges that he described a Pentagon 'plan of attack' and shared a classified map related to a military operation.
Unhealthy habits of university students could lead to future health problems
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Preventative Medicine Reports by a group of international researchers has found that post-secondary students with unhealthy eating habits can go on to suffer from disease and mental health issues for years to come.
Three people charged in alleged abduction of N.L. teen after Amber Alert issued
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say three people are facing charges following the alleged abduction of a 14-year-old girl.
Boris Johnson quits as U.K. lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson shocked Britain on Friday by quitting as a lawmaker after being told he will be sanctioned for misleading Parliament.
Eyes on the weather as residents pack and flee from fierce wildfire in northeast B.C.
Showers are predicted Saturday over the aggressive wildfire threatening Tumbler Ridge, but forecasters say thunderstorms could sweep through the parched region without bringing any rain.