PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD WORKING TO RESOLVE TRAFFIC ISSUE

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has responded to concerns raised by the Town of Milton and some residents over traffic problems around school sites.

In an emailed statement to Inside Halton, the board said it will continue to work with officials to address the concerns.

"The Board has been made aware of the Town's concerns regarding the growing traffic concerns around school sites, and will continue to work with the Town of Milton to help resolve this issue and find a safe and sustainable outcome," Jacqueline Newton,

HDSB's superintendent of education, said in the statement.

Previously, the town said it plans to send a "strongly worded" letter to the Board with respect to compliance issues, noting that some schools are in

contravention of the approved site plans and zoning bylaw by closing their parking lots for student drop-offs and pickups.

The town said the closure has led to traffic "mayhem" in some areas.

Newton said that the first priority of the school board is to ensure the safety of students, including making sure they get to and from school safely.

The board noted that many parents and guardians indicated the value of having "walk-to" schools during discussions at school boundary reviews.

"Schools are busy places, especially at the beginning and end of the school day. We have launched numerous campaigns to encourage families to walk their children to school rather than driving them. We also encourage students who are eligible for school bus transportation to take the bus. We will continue to do this," Newton said.