At our recent Safety and Security Residents Meeting, one topic which generated a great deal of interest and passion was that of parking and speeding near our Schools. Not surprisingly the matter is at the top of the Parish Council Highways Group Action Plan. The problem is present in both Lickey and Blackwell (and of course near most schools).
We would like to encourage a blog debate on the subject for a number of reasons. Firstly we can continue the dialogue from recent PACT meetings and at the Residents Meeting. Secondly it will give us some evidence of the concerns of our residents for lobbying those in the county responsible for supporting us with solutions. Finally, and most importantly, it will provide an opportunity for the innovative residents of North Worcestershire to suggest ideas for improving the safety near our schools.
As a Parish Council we do understand the issues all too well, and a great deal of time and energy is being put into seeking solutions. Here are some thoughts to stimulate comments:
Parking
Much of the increase in parking issues over the last decade has come from the increasing numbers of pupils who travel to our excellent schools from outside the Parish. This is compounded by the understandable fears of parents in letting their children walk to school alone. Here comes one of our dilemmas. If there was less parking, speed of travel near the schools would increase, thus adding to the danger of accidents. Visibility is also an issue. Our grass verges are used as parking bays, when as well as providing welcome greenery, they are intended to provide safe visibility for pedestrians.
As long as cars are parked considerately and legally, resident inconvenience isn't too great, and most who live near a school display reason and tolerance as they knew that the school was there when they bought their home. Where cars are parked inconsiderately or illegally, there is increased frustration as it is less safe to walk, to cross the roads, and to exit residences. Both schools are actively encouraging those who can to walk to school.
Speeding
Speed Kills. We all know it, but sadly most tuck the knowledge away until it's too late. We are very lucky in that we haven't had a fatality in the parish recently, but there is a significant risk present. Increasingly we hear of near misses, of cars/vans/buses overtaking vehicles themselves doing 30mph opposite schools, of vehicles doing in excess of 80mph by a school entrance (measured!), and the list goes on. We are limited in what we can do. Worcestershire County Council has a policy which no longer supports the introduction of new speed bumps. "Lollipop" Crossing Attendant vacancies cannot be filled. Where we have a school crossing (Lickey) parents illegally park on the pavement in the zigzag zone blocking visibility of children, rather than walking a few yards. Blackwell has no crossings near the school. Speed cameras are only placed where there is "fresh blood". West Mercia Police have limited resources for enforcement.
There is a little food for thought. Please let us have your ideas/comments. Please support the PACT process with your presence at the next meeting as this can make things happen quickly. Please lobby your county councillor to support the need for more flashing speed signs (as Cllr. Peter McDonald recently did for the new sign in Lickey).
The next PACT (Partners and Community Together) Meeting for Lickey, Blackwell and Barnt Green will be held on 17th July, 2008 at Quaker Meeting Rooms, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, starting at 7pm.
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