There have been 19 pedestrian fatalities in Toronto so far this year, three of which have been children. To combat the issue, seven new school safety zones were introduced Sept. 5 with another 15 slated before the school year ends. Four of the new zones are at Catholic schools.

It’s part of the city’s $80 million Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, a five-year plan to reduced traffics-related deaths announced by Mayor John Tory last year.

New school zone safety signs, flashing beacons, school zone pavement markings and “Watch your speed” driver feedback signs are some of the features implemented to improve the safety of children walking and cycling to school.

“The safety of all pedestrians, but particularly children, must be a priority in this city,” said Tory. “Through the School Safety Zone program, we have looked at how children travel to school and have added measures to keep them safe on their journey.”

The Catholic schools with new safety zones are Annunciation Catholic Elementary School, Blessed John XXIII Catholic Elementary School, Father Serra Catholic Elementary School and Holy Child Catholic Elementary School.

While the number of pedestrian deaths has declined from 27 at this time last year, Vision Zero’s goal is for no pedestrian deaths.