Local primary schools aim to put an end to hazardous parking near school gates
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With issues over school runs entering major political debate and even being blamed for Labour losing seat in the local elections, two local school's timely production of new travel policies have been welcomed by parents and the council alike.
St Mary's R.C. Primary School and The William Hogarth Primary School, situated side by side in Duke Road, have been working closely with Hounslow Council to create a travel plan (like those already in place for Belmont and Grove Park primaries) to ensure safer routes to school both on foot and by bicycle.
It had become increasing apparent over the past few years that there was a particular problem with parents from both schools driving up to the schools' gates which are situated at the end of a tight cul-de-sac resulting in queues of traffic and presenting a very real danger to children, parents, staff and residents.
Additionally, cars (not always belonging to parents) are frequently driven at excessive speeds for the size of the roads and are often dangerously 'abandoned' on corners as parents rush to get their children into school on time.
Following numerous complaints from parents and residents of Duke Road and surrounding roads, and failed attempts to cajole parents into being more thoughtful, it was agreed by the Premises Health and Safety Committee at the Council that more concerted action was necessary.
Therefore the two schools with the help of Mark Frost, School Travel Advisor of LBH, have compiled and had approved a Travel Plan that will be launched in September for the new academic year.
The two schools have been awarded £5,000 each to implement new schemes and a bid is currently with Transport for London for additional traffic calming measures in the Glebe Estate.
Whether the two heads will be forced to follow the lead of High Wycombe Headteacher, Sheena Moynihan, who decided to publicly name and shame parents who park illegally and dangerously by publishing photographs of the number plates of transgressor in the local media remains to be seen!
July 19 , 2006