Operation Safe Passage begins in Scotts Valley this week

The Scotts Valley Police Department will be ramping up enforcement of traffic violations in and around local school zones this week.

Operation Safe Passage, which will be conducted from Wednesday, Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, is aimed at ensuring students’ safety when they’re traveling to and from school.

Officers will focus on the following violations by both motorists as well as commuting students.

Failing to stop for school buses with flashing stop lights
Speeding vehicles
Failing to yield to pedestrians
Jaywalking
Juvenile bicyclists without required helmets or not properly worn
Seat belt and child restraint seat violations
Cellphone and texting violations
Stop sign violations

“At the beginning of each school year there are new kids walking and biking to school for the first time,” said Lt. Steve Walpole. “The extra officers assigned to each school will be a reminder to the students, and the motorists in the area, to follow the rules of the road and keep everyone safe during their travels.”