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School streets needed to ensure child safety post lockdown say parents and NGOs in new research.
(29/05/20)

 

NGOs call for urgent implementation of “School Streets” in light of schools reopening, after new survey reveals parent concern over street safety. The new survey finds six out of ten parents are worried about increased levels of traffic when lockdown is lifted.  

 

Based on this research, ten NGOs have come together with an urgent call to Councils to make walking and cycling safer so children can travel to and from school safely when schools reopen next week. The ten NGOs recommend “School Street” schemes (which close roads to cars during pick up and drop off times) as particularly important as schools try to manage social distancing at the school gates, along with street improvements to make every child’s journey safer to walk and cycle.    

 

A group of children crossing the street at some traffic lights while on their way to school. Image from Living Streets

Photo © Living Streets

 

The ten NGOs are made up of Global Action Plan, Mums for Lungs, Living Streets, Possible, ClientEarth, Cycling UK, Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Partnership, FIA Foundation, Ella Roberta Family Foundation and Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Charity. The NGOs are calling on Councils to listen to public feedback and Government social distancing guidelines to ensure children are safe on our streets after lockdown. The NGOs are asking councils to take the lead in working with parents and schools and to trial “School Street” schemes in light of the phased reopening of schools next week.  

 

The survey, commissioned by Global Action Plan and carried out by Opinium, finds that six out of ten parents are worried about increased levels of traffic when lockdown is lifted, but that they are also keen to play their part. Over half (53%) plan to walk or cycle more than they did before after lockdown, and the vast majority of those that plan to be more active (79%) say that restricting vehicle access at certain times of the day would be helpful.  

 

Click here to download the full press release (.DOCX)

 

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Young children in school uniform a crossing a road with 20mph limits on the ground. Image from Living Streets.

Photo © Living Streets