Cornwall Council Gets Tougher Over Road Safety Around Schools

Cornwall Council gets tougher over road safety around schools following increasing concerns from the public and head teachers.

People dropping their children off to school and stopping in the ‘keep clear zone’ could face penalty notices as new tougher parking rules come into operation this term.

A new Traffic Regulation Order came into effect on Tuesday, September 4, making it an offence to stop or park on the markings at any time, even to drop off or pick up passengers. The zones are marked off to keep the space outside of schools free from parked vehicles so that children can be seen more easily when crossing the road. They also help to provide a clear field of vision for other vulnerable road users when they are crossing the road. Any vehicle caught parked on these markings can be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £70.

Cornwall Council and CORMAC has been working with schools, residents and local councillors across Cornwall over the last 18 months to review the existing zig-zag markings outside schools.

Geoff Brown, Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “It is vital that we adhere to and enforce the no stopping zones outside our schools, as nothing is more important than the safety of our children.”

Many schools also work with the Council and Sustrans to encourage children to walk, scoot or cycle to school which helps further ease congestion around school gates. Why not encourage your local school to get involved?

Park and stride initiatives, where parents are encouraged to park in a suitable car park a short walks distance from the school, help to avoid congestion outside the school and enable children to walk to school, getting their daily exercise.

The Walking bus initiative also means that if a parent is unable to walk their child the rest of the way to school, a volunteer (a parent or member of school staff) can safely walk the children along a safe route to school.