main content Ban your parking on school zigzags

Pupils at Hawes Down Infant and Junior Schools, West Wickham, have taken a stand against dangerous and illegal parking outside their school gates. Concerned pupils entered a competition to design a road safety banner to alert motorists. The winning designs, now proudly displayed outside the schools, will warn parents and carers not to park on the yellow zigzag lines, which also creates unnecessary congestion during the ‘school rush’.

“The banner delivers a forceful message ‘School: Keep Clear’. It is a reminder that motorists should not only be responsible in the way they park, but that they should be especially vigilant when young children are using the road. It is worth noting that a Penalty Charge Notice for the sum of £100 could be issued to vehicles that are parked on zigzags.” said Louise French, School Travel Plan Officer.

The schools held special assemblies to present the winners of the competition with a certificate and a T-shirt printed with their banner design. This initiative forms part of a school travel plan for the school. A school travel plan is simply a document that aims to reduce congestion and improve road safety around the school. Currently 69 schools in the borough have approved plans in place.

Hawes Down Infants and Juniors also actively promote the Walk on Wednesday (WoW) scheme to pupils, parents and carers, as part of their travel plans. With over 50% of pupils now regularly walking to and from school, the scheme not only improves safety and combats congestion but also encourages them to think about healthier lifestyles.

By 2010, the Government will require all schools to have an approved travel plan in place and there are grants to enable this. Primary schools are entitled to a £3,750 grant plus £5 per pupil to facilitate a plan and secondary and special schools can be awarded up to £5,000 plus £5 per pupil.

For more information contact the School Travel Plan team on 020 8313 4546 or email schooltravelplans@bromley.gov.uk or visit www.bromley.gov.uk/roadsafety

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

All non-independent schools are entitled to a Government grant to help implement a school travel plan. 

For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738 or Louise French, School Travel Plan Officer on 020 8461 7461 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk