Medway Council Approves Expansion of School Traffic Safety Scheme

Medway Council has moved forward with the next phase of implementing nine additional traffic safety initiatives close to schools, aiming to safeguard students. This initiative, known as the School Streets scheme, prohibits vehicles from using specific roads at designated periods, typically at the start and end of the school day, to establish zones where children can walk safely. Alex Paterson, who holds the council’s portfolio for community safety, highways, and enforcement, stated that 1,200 children sustain injuries on UK roads monthly within 500m (546.8yds) of their educational institutions. Paterson remarked: “I’m simply not prepared to accept this epidemic as an inevitable part of life in Medway.” The councillor further commented: “Instead of waiting for casualties, we choose to improve safety now.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, motorists who disregard these prohibitions will incur a fine; however, local residents, individuals with blue badges, and emergency service vehicles will be exempted. The measures were initially implemented at seven schools in April, and by September, the authority indicated its intention to consider additional locations. Subsequent to a consultation process, the authority’s cabinet has consented to advance the proposed expansion to its subsequent phase, which involves a legally mandated consultation prior to its final execution. Ms Paterson asserted: “In my view, no reasonable parent would put their own convenience ahead of the safety of the community.” The educational establishments included in this second phase are Crest Infant and Nursery School/Delce Academy, King’s Pre-Preparatory School and Nursery, and St William of Perth Roman Catholic Primary School, all located in Rochester; Fairview Community Primary School and St Margaret’s Church of England Junior School/St. Margaret’s Infant School in Rainham; Horsted School in Chatham; Hilltop Primary School in Frindsbury; High Halstow Primary Academy in High Halstow; and Cliffe Woods Primary School/Cliffe Woods Pre-School/City of Rochester School in Cliffe Woods.