New Richmond Hill Road Watch signs remind drivers of their ABCs

York Regional Police and town partner in citizen road safety program

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 29, 2016

As children head back to school, York Regional Police and Richmond Hill’s Road Watch program has combined forces to ensure there are visual reminders to motorists to drive safely.

Weathered, seven-year-old Road Watch signs at key entrance roads to Richmond Hill have been updated with new, large Road Watch signs, reminding drivers they can report aggressive driving incidents that they witness in their community.

The new York Regional Police 2 District commander, Supt. James MacSween, joined with other officers and Ward 6 Councillor Godwin Chan last week as new signs were installed on High Tech Road, near Yonge Street, a busy two-way artery with mixed traffic.

Supt. MacSween gave a brief overview of the Road Watch program, which allows citizens to report aggressive driving incidents such as not stopping at stop signs or driving while using cellular phones.

He noted that, to date, there have been more than 400 Road Watch reports filed in 2016. He credited the success of Richmond Hill’s Road Watch program to the strong partnerships with the town and residents, who help the police to monitor the roads and promote road safety for all.

As the school year is about to begin, he reminds all motorists to remember their ABCs - Always Be Careful - while driving around schools, as there will be children, more pedestrians and increased traffic with school buses.

He noted that York officers will be active around school areas in September for the ABC campaign and reminded drivers to watch for Community Safety Zone signs in school areas, established to encourage responsible driving.

The Town of Richmond Hill Road Watch Committee and program began 14 years ago, and Godwin Chan was among the founding members, before he became a councillor.

He’s proud of the fact the large signs are a formal display and illustrate the partnership between the Town of Richmond Hill and York Regional Police for Road Watch.

“This community sign is unique in terms of displaying all partners' logos to remind drivers to drive responsibly,” said Chan.

“One accident is far too many, particularly involving school-aged children. With drivers’ co-operation, it is my sincere hope that the back-to-school season will be accident free for all,” added the councillor.