Montreal police reported a sharp rise in traffic citations issued around city schools at the start of the 2026 school year, issuing almost twice as many tickets in early September as they did during the same period last year. The increase reflects a targeted effort by officers to boost road safety as students returned to classrooms across the province.
The surge in citations was recorded throughout the first weeks of September, a time when traffic patterns typically intensify around educational facilities. Police spokespersons said officers were positioned at key intersections and parking zones near elementary, secondary and CEGEP campuses to monitor speeding, illegal parking and other violations that pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
While exact numbers were not disclosed, the comparison to the previous year underscores a deliberate escalation in enforcement. Authorities noted that the heightened presence of police patrols was intended to deter dangerous driving behaviours that often endanger children walking to and from school. The strategy aligns with broader municipal goals to improve safety for vulnerable road users during peak school‑time periods.
Community groups have previously called for stronger measures to protect students, and the recent enforcement action appears to respond to those concerns. By focusing resources on school zones, the police aim to create a visible deterrent and encourage drivers to adhere to speed limits and parking regulations.
Officials indicated that the approach will continue throughout the school term, with officers adjusting patrols based on observed trends and feedback from schools. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to maintain a safer environment for Montreal’s youngest commuters as the city navigates the challenges of increased traffic during the academic year.