Safer routes to school
Our Road Safety Policy RS25 is set out in the Local Transport Plan 2011-2026.
Where development will have a direct impact on a local school, or require a new school, we will carry out an assessment to determine which routes would be utilised by the additional pupils resulting from a development. The assessment will explore what infrastructure is required to ensure that those additional pupils have a safe walking route to school.
Safe direct routes that encourage parents to leave the car at home will be required on all new developments. Financial contributions may be sought to mitigate the impact of additional children on existing safe routes or new safe routes to school required. This may include off-site works. We will ensure that all school staff (including ancillary staff) can park within the school grounds and not on adjacent streets.
Contributions to establish a safe walking route will be considered before seeking a school transport contribution where appropriate.
There are a number of essential measures that will be considered to ensure safe routes to school:
- zig zag lining
- school warning signs
- dropped kerb crossings
- continuous footways to the front of the school
- pedestrian and vehicle accesses being separate
- a school travel plan
There are some measures that may be required (dependent on a case by case assessment):
- pedestrian guard railing
- additional signalling
- additional lining
- 20mph advisory or mandatory speed limits
- traffic calming measures
- school crossing patrol site
- pedestrian refuges
- pedestrian crossings (zebra or puffin)
- cycle facilities – continuous off carriageway cycle infrastructure with crossings as necessary
Sustainable travel and road safety
Information packs for owners and occupiers of the dwellings will cost £10 per dwelling. The packs include information on sustainable modes of transport and promote sustainable travel in the local area. Alternatively, the applicant can provide the information themselves, secured through a planning condition. These packs will require our approval before distribution.
Road safety initiatives targeted within the community of the development will require £50 per dwelling. Initiatives include:
- road safety education for primary and secondary schools
- training/education for other vulnerable road users within the local area
A contribution towards local membership of the Road Safety Club will be needed where a new school is to be provided as part of the development. Works to support children and parents being able to access the school safely will be required. Any additional contributions linked to the development of a new school will be payable at the time the development of the school commences.
Sustainable travel and road safety contributions should be paid when development begins.