Schools
Safely back to school
Published on
Monday 2 September sees local schools starting to welcome old and new students and some parents dreading trying to get sleepy teens up and out on time.
For those of us for whom school days are but a hazy memory, we can perhaps enjoy a little chuckle at the fresh-faced newbies out on the streets or being cajoled into posing for ‘first day’ photos for social media, with blazer arms coming past their knuckles to ‘get the wear’.
“ The first few weeks of the new school year can be hectic in many ways, not least in dropping off children, particularly when siblings may attend different schools. It is a huge priority for us to do what we can to ensure children getting to school get there safely and we want to achieve this with the support of their families and carers.
Many schools were built before car ownership became what it is now and walking to school isn’t always an option when schools are a considerable distance from home. There are parking restrictions, which we do enforce with financial penalties, in the immediate vicinity of most schools to try to keep children, and other road users, safe.
If driving is the only option, parking a little further from the school and walking a short distance is encouraged. The safety and physical health benefits are obvious, but it can also be a precious five minutes or so a parent can spend with their child talking about the day ahead. “
Several roads across the borough also have enforceable traffic restrictions to deter through traffic during school hours and there is clear signage to advise motorists of this. Residents of the roads concerned are not prevented from accessing their homes.
“ My advice is clear - taking the shortcut could well cost you more than waiting for a few moments on the busier road. Please heed the rules of the road because there is no justifiable excuse for putting a child’s life at risk.
Contrary to some of the misinformation seen on social media, this enforcement activity is not a money-making scheme, as income from penalty notices helps to subsidise the overall service with any surplus being legally required to be ploughed back into highway safety works. “
The A*STARS programme, adopted by over 80% of Walsall’s schools, includes a variety of initiatives focused on walking, cycling, scooting to school rather than arriving by car if possible. It also provides road safety training, expertise and support to promote safer and healthier lifestyle choices among students. Designated staff and students, known as A*STARS Sheriffs, work with the council’s road safety team to enhance health, wellbeing and road safety awareness.
~ENDS~
Notes to Editor
Parking restrictions outside schools https://go.walsall.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/parking-and-travel/pay-your-penalty-charge-notice-pcn/parking-restrictions-outside-schools
Road safety and sustainable travel education https://go.walsall.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roadworks-and-road-maintenance/making-our-roads-safer/road-safety-and-sustainable-travel-education
