Montreal police reported a sharp increase in traffic citations issued around school zones at the start of the new academic term in early September 2026. The force said the number of tickets handed out near schools was almost twice the amount recorded at the same point in the previous year, marking a significant rise in enforcement activity.
The surge in citations comes as part of the police department's ongoing effort to maintain safety in areas where children travel to and from school. Officers routinely monitor speed limits, stop signs and other traffic regulations in the vicinity of elementary, secondary and CEGEP campuses throughout the city. This heightened presence at the beginning of the school year is intended to remind drivers of the heightened risk of accidents involving young pedestrians.
Police de Montréal did not release the exact figures for the total citations, only noting the comparative increase. The department attributes the rise to a combination of stricter enforcement strategies and increased public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging safe driving habits during peak school traffic periods. Officers have been deploying additional patrols and using automated speed detection equipment in high‑traffic corridors to identify violations more efficiently.
Community groups and school boards have historically supported the police's focus on school‑zone safety, emphasizing the importance of compliance with speed limits and yielding to crossing guards. While the recent data shows a notable jump in ticketing, officials stress that the goal remains preventative rather than punitive, seeking to reduce the likelihood of collisions involving students.
The police department plans to continue its monitoring throughout the school term, adjusting patrol patterns as needed to address any emerging trends. Residents are reminded to observe posted speed limits, watch for school‑zone signage and remain vigilant for children crossing streets, especially during morning and afternoon drop‑off and pick‑up times.