Driving children to school is seen as the most convenient choice for parents and carers with busy lives. Many parents/carers take the view that driving children to school keeps them safe. Yet the combination of each individual decision means an increase in vehicle traffic and congestion particularly at the entrance to our school.

Many children now miss the opportunity to develop vital road safety skills with their parents on the way to school. They fail to build up confidence and do not build up the ability to manage risk walking in the local community and along roads.

Walking improves health and overall fitness levels in all of us. It is an inexpensive and low impact way to exercise. Being active in our daily lives can have a big positive impact on physical and mental health.

What can you do to keep everyone safe around the school gates?

Encourage your child to walk the last section of the journey by dropping them at the top of the Nower, Milton Heath Car park or the bottom of the struggle.
If you do need to bring your child closer please drop off at the ‘triangle’ to avoid congestion at the school gate.

PLEASE DO NOT:

• Block the road – emergency vehicles and other traffic may need access
• Park on the pavement, across dropped kerbs or residents driveways
• Park opposite or within 10 meters of a junction
• Park where you will cause inconvenience to other road users
• Leave your vehicle while your engine is running
• Stop in the middle of the road to drop off your child, even for a few seconds
• Wait for your child with your engine running.

These changes will make a real difference to the congestion and pollution around the school’s main entrance, making the school run less stressful and safer for everyone. Research has shown that children who walk or cycle to school are more receptive to learning at the start of the school day than those who travel by car.

Mrs B Godwin
Business Manager

Safer Travel in Surrey

Surrey County Council’s safer travel team have been working across the county to increase active and safer travel to school and raise awareness of air quality issues.

The Safer Travel Team offers schools a range of cycle training and pedestrian awareness programmes.