Labour is launching a review of road safety around Stockport’s schools which will look at improved enforcement of parking restrictions and making pavements safer for local children.

There were six recorded incidents in Stockport over the last three years involving children hurt by traffic on a school journey.

Executive Councillor for Education Dean Fitzpatrick said ‘Road safety will particularly be at the forefront of the minds of many parents over the next couple of weeks because after the relatively quiet summer period children will return back after the school holidays.

‘Labour is looking at several ways to improve road safety around our schools that will make sure children get to school as safely as possible.

‘From September the Executive is ensuring that the Council’s Transport Team works with schools to promote walking and cycling initiatives and to encourage teachers, pupils, governors and residents to work together and refresh or introduce school travel plans.’

Labour acknowledges that there is no simple solution to the traffic problems that occur outside schools in Stockport as during term-time between 20-25% of peak hour traffic are linked to school trips.

School travel plans include a package of measures to reduce car journeys and increase active and sustainable transport to school. Benefits include reduced local congestion, more active and healthy pupils and adults, and increased road safety awareness.

Councillor Fitzpatrick added ‘In addition to refreshing school travel plans, the Council will also be undertaking a full audit of road safety facilities outside of schools in the autumn.

‘It is vital that the Council continues to do the best possible job to minimise illegally parked cars with adequate civil enforcement, signage, and physical measures like bollards and guard rails, so that children and parents wishing to cross roads have the clear, unobstructed view they need.

‘Labour is committed to ensuring our pavements are safe for all pedestrians, including children, people in wheelchairs and parents pushing prams and buggies.’

Stockport Labour Group’s 2016 Manifesto pledged to focus strongly on road safety around schools through examining a number of practical interventions.