Staff at Riverview Elementary in Verdun said they’re being forced to direct traffic because cars are zooming past school buses that are stopped outside the school.
It’s gotten so bad, some insist they’re putting themselves at risk to make sure children are able to safely get on and off the buses.
“Sometimes, I have to go running into the street to be like, ‘hello, slow down,'” said principal Debi Dixon.
“I know I’m putting my life at risk, but the fact is we’re here for the kids. ”
Walter Wong is the school bus attendant at Riverview Elementary.
He pointed out people are breaking the law by not obeying the lights – and on top of that, they’re also speeding.
“People will go right by,” he said.
“It’s supposed to be a 30 km/h zone but they’re definitely doing more than that.”
There is a crossing guard stationed at the corner, but the school doesn’t think that is enough.
Parents have been asking for a stop sign at the corner of Riverview and Bannantyne avenues, but so far, the borough has refused.
“We got a response about a month ago saying that because there was a stop sign within 150 metres, they wouldn’t consider putting another one up,” said Kathleen Blagrabe from Riverview’s board of governors.
A petition has collected about 150 signatures so far in the hopes of getting a new sign.
Verdun mayor Jean-François Parenteau did not respond to Global News’ request for an interview.
There is no bylaw in Verdun that outlines how far away stop signs have to be from one another.
Staff and parents said they have complained to the borough numerous times.
“Every time there’s a complaint by the parents, a police officer will show up at the corner – but that’s only for one day,” said Wong.
“They’re non-existent until we complain again.”
Staff insisted they’ll continue to keep patrolling the streets.
Dixon said it’s worth it to keep the almost 200 students at Riverview Elementary out of harm’s way.
“Some are so apologetic and some just don’t care,” she said.
Comments