SSZs reduce congestion and improve safety outside Lincolnshire’s schools

The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership is promoting what it describes as a ‘unique initiative to reduce congestion and improve safety outside schools’.

The School Safety Zone (SSZ) is a high profile length of road immediately outside a school, which is designated as a ‘No Parking’ and ‘No Stopping’ area. An example of the SSZ can be seen in the illustration accompanying this article.

The SSZ aims to provide a safe environment for children entering and leaving school by discouraging drivers - for any reason - from parking or stopping within the Zone during school hours.

According to the Lincolnshire Partnership, a successful SSZ will reduce the risk of children being killed or injured by running out from behind a stationary vehicle. It will also encourage drivers to slow down and respect the principles of the SSZ.
Furthermore, it encourages children to cross the road in a safe area and encourages parents to let their children walk to school and become involved in activities such as the Walking Bus, Park and Stride and cycle and pedestrian training schemes.

In summary, the SSZ sends out a message to drivers that children are both precious and highly vulnerable - and consequently greater care is needed at these locations during school times.

For further information about SSZs in Lincolnshire please contact Greville Burgess, principal road safety co-ordinator, greville.burgess@lincolnshire.gov.uk .