Agenda item

The Committee considered the report on the Council’s Road Safety Initiatives and Activities Around the Borough’s Schools.

Although representation and data information had been requested from Apcoa Parking Services, the Chair advised that it had not been possible to obtain this information due to various reasons. This information request would be placed on the work programme for the Committee’s next municipal year.

An account of the findings relating to child safety around schools in Hillingdon between 2019 and 2023  was highlighted to the Committee. It was noted that:

-         two child fatalities occurred in Hillingdon during this period. Neither of these fatalities were of school age, and both incidents happened on weekends.

-         27 serious collisions involving children aged 0 to 15. Eleven out of these 27 collisions occurred during school rush hours and three pedestrians did not look before stepping onto the road. Two collisions were due to chasing balls into the road.

-         Only one serious injury occurred in a 20 mph zone outside a school. Most other serious collisions happened on 30 or 40 mph roads.

It was reported that the benefits of having 20 mph zones outside schools included reducing traffic speeds and enhancing safety. While funding constraints had limited widespread implementation, 20mph signage alone made a difference in promoting safer streets for children. Drivers tended to adjust their speed when transitioning from a 30 mph road to a 20 mph zone. The 20 mph zone outside school zones was supported by the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport.

In terms of any correlation between accident data and schools engaging well with road safety initiatives, it was explained that by 2025 all schools would need to have a Climate Change Sustainability Lead in place who would be responsible for providing data for active travel. Some schools tended to engage with the team more than others.

It was noted that there is one permanent school street in the borough which is on a dead-end road and has no impact on local residents during the closure times. No further information could be provided on future plans at this time.

The Committee heard that secondary schools were generally harder to engage with for a number of reasons such as being larger and having different priorities. Any planned works would be communicated to the school from different teams within the Council. If the team heard of any unplanned instances such as flooding then the school would be contacted. It was difficult to recruit and maintain School Patrol Officers.

It was emphasised that collaborating with schools and parents to enhance safety measures around schools was essential. The team liaised closely with engineers and were aware of engineering measures implemented in schools. Officers were open to discussing safety measures with schools or parents and were always willing to engage in dialogue. Fostering communication and transparency remained a priority in promoting safer routes to school.

Officers were thanked for the work and attendance. It was agreed that any ideas for recommendations would be sent to Democratic Services.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and ideas for recommendations be sent to Democratic Services.