Community Safety Zones are sections of roadways where vulnerable road users are of special concern. As per the Highway Traffic Act, Community Safety Zones are designated by municipal by-law and allows for an increase in penalties for traffic violations. Although the rules of the road do not change within a Community Safety Zone, the intent is the significantly increased penalties for violations will influence motorists’ behaviour to improve safety for all road users.
Community Safety Zones benefit vulnerable road users such as children, seniors, pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized users by:
Community Safety Zone signs are installed to indicate to motorists they are in a designated area where vulnerable road users are likely to be present and penalties for traffic violations are increased.
As of July 12, 2023, Halton Region has designated 19 Community Safety Zones. The designation does not take effect until all the required signs are installed.
Halton Region's Comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan (CROSAP) (PDF file) guides regional road safety management.
CROSAP uses 3 approaches to improve safety: