{"id":23801,"date":"2025-11-26T11:43:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T11:43:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/?p=23801"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:08:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T12:08:13","slug":"school-run-safety-simple-steps-to-protect-our-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/school-run-safety-simple-steps-to-protect-our-children","title":{"rendered":"School Run Safety: Simple Steps to Protect Our Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every day across the UK, millions of families take part in the familiar routine of the school run. Whether it\u2019s a quick walk down the road, a short bike ride, or a drive through busy morning traffic, the journey to and from school plays a big role in family life. But it\u2019s also one of the most high-risk times for children using the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging parents and carers to prioritise safety on every school journey. With children of all ages navigating roads, pavements, and crossings every morning and afternoon, it\u2019s important for everyone\u2014from toddlers to grandparents\u2014to be aware of the risks and responsibilities that come with travelling during peak school times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Safety<\/figure>
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Sadly, recent data highlights why vigilance is more vital than ever. According to the latest Department for Transport figures, while overall road casualties are seeing a gradual decline, the number of children killed or seriously injured (KSI) has remained stubbornly stable. In 2024, approximately 1,600 fatalities<\/strong> were recorded on Britain\u2019s roads, with children under 16 accounting for a significant portion of serious injuries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Crucially, the “school run” peak hours (8:00 AM \u2013 9:00 AM<\/strong> and 3:00 PM \u2013 4:00 PM<\/strong>) remain the most dangerous windows for young pedestrians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GEM\u2019s head of road safety, James Luckhurst, notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWith the government’s new Road Safety Strategy now in effect for 2026, there is a renewed national focus on the ‘Safe System’ approach. This means we must ensure that the roads, rules, and our own driving habits work together to prevent a simple mistake from becoming a life-changing tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

High-Risk Habits to Avoid on the School Run<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The roads outside schools are busy, unpredictable places. To keep everyone safe, GEM is urging parents and carers to steer clear of these common but dangerous behaviours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entering “School Street” Zones restricted to residents<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hundreds of schools across the UK now operate School Street Schemes<\/strong>, where roads are legally closed to most traffic during drop-off and pick-up. Entering these zones unwittingly can now result in automatic fines of up to \u00a3160<\/strong> via ANPR (camera) enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parking on pavements or blocking dropped kerbs<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As of 2024, pavement parking is strictly banned across Scotland<\/strong> with \u00a3100 fines. Many English councils have followed suit. Parking on the path forces children, wheelchair users, and parents with prams into live traffic\u2014a high-risk move that is now a legal liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Double parking or stopping on zig-zags<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This remains a leading cause of “blind spots.” When you double park, you create a wall that prevents children from seeing oncoming traffic and prevents drivers from seeing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ignoring the 20mph default<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Wales and many major English cities (including London, Birmingham, and Bristol), 20mph is now the default<\/strong> for residential and school areas. Slower speeds are the single most effective way to reduce the severity of a collision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allowing “Door-Side” exits into the road<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the rise of quiet electric vehicles and increased cycling traffic, letting a child exit a car into the road is extremely dangerous. Always use the “Dutch Reach” (opening the door with your far hand) to check for passing cyclists before letting children out on the pavement side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"school<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Practical Safety Tips for All School Journeys<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To help parents, carers, and children stay safe throughout the year, GEM has compiled useful tips that make the school run safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n