School Crossing Patrol officers are set to return to the borough’s streets to help protect pupils going to and from school so that our children remain safe.



The decision which was agreed at last night’s (Tuesday 12 July) Council Cabinet meeting, will also see more back-office staff recruited to help with administering the car parking permit system.



Presenting the Controlled Parking Strategy 2022-25 report, Cllr Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety, said: “It is a difficult area, but we are making improvements with road safety around schools, improving air quality and importantly, we have listened to our residents and are making changes that mirror their concerns.”



In bringing back the school crossing patrol service, the council will offer funding to help schools improve safety outside their gates where other restrictions may not be possible.



By the end of the project, about 47 schools will have restrictions which will help to reduce tensions between motorists and school children by making it clear where it is safe to park.



Cllr Ghani added: “We will continue working to support our residents and have successfully implemented Phase 1 of the CPZ programme in line with our commitment to climate change initiatives.  The CPZs have provided improved parking and road safety particularly for our most vulnerable residents. We are moving to the second phase 2 which will see more consultation and engagement, reduced fees for school staff along with many other initiatives.

 

“CPZ is not a money-making scheme as all the money generated is ring fenced to pay for road improvements including repairs to pavements. More children across the borough are now walking to school than ever before so we will be introducing more School Street schemes.”



The Council will review the current CPZ scheme in 2023.