Keep the school gates clear, Royal Borough urges

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has joined forces with Fox Primary School to combat road safety problems caused by parents’ cars clogging up the school gates when children are being dropped off and picked up from school.

As of Monday 3 February 2003, parking attendants from the Council’s contractors APCOA are patrolling the school entrance area both before and after school. Any vehicle stopping, waiting or parking on the zig-zag lines outside the school runs the risk of being issued with an instant parking ticket. Additional high-profile enforcement initiatives will take place later in the year at Hill House International School and Barlby Primary School.

"We take road safety in our Borough very seriously and I am delighted that we are tackling the congestion problems outside our busiest primary schools in such an effective way," said councillor Frances Taylor, lead member for environment. "The message must be clear - keep the school gates clear and keep our children safe."

The initiative is part of a wider campaign to encourage parents and carers to park safely, considerately and legally when dropping off and picking up children as well as to raise awareness of the alternatives to driving to school. All primary schools in the Borough are being provided with road safety leaflets and general parking enforcement information, including specific advice for parents.

Information is also being included in school newsletters and posted on the council’s website, www.rbkc.gov.uk/schooltravel.

For further information about the campaign, school travel plans and alternative travel to schools contact Lucy Ryan, the Borough’s school travel plan co-ordinator on 020 7361 3399.