Kimmins views road safety pilot project at St Ita's Primary School
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited St Ita's primary school in Belfast to view new road safety measures around the school.
The Department has been working closely with St Ita's staff and pupils to introduce a pilot project which aims to enhance pedestrian safety, address inconsiderate parking and to encourage more pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to school.
A key feature of the pilot project is the introduction of brightly coloured pencil bollards along the street which physically separate vehicles from pedestrians. These bollards prevent cars from mounting the footway and create a clear, protected corridor leading directly to the school gates. Their vibrant design also serves as a visual cue for motorists that they are entering a school zone.
The Department has also installed a pedestrian crossing outside the school and has been helping to educate pupils on the different types of crossings and how to ensure they stay safe crossing the road.
Minister Kimmins said:
"I was delighted to come to St Ita's today and hear from pupils and staff on how important these measures are to them.
"The school is on a very busy road and these improvements are aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and priority in the immediate vicinity of the school, particularly by discouraging inconsiderate parking by parents dropping off during peak times, and encouraging those who need to drive to use the nearby Cairnshill Park & Ride and walk the short distance to the school.
"My Department is committed to working with schools and local communities to deliver solutions that make a real difference and these improvements not only make the journey to school safer but also help foster independence and confidence in children.
"It is great to hear how the pupils, staff and parents of St Ita's have embraced the pilot and to see how it works in practice. Their feedback and learnings from the pilot will help my department to develop plans for the design of future schemes with the aim of encouraging more people to consider active travel for the school journey."
In conclusion Minister added:
"I am aware that some inconsiderate parking associated with the school persists in the area and I would remind drivers to "think before you park." Inconsiderate pavement parking is above all a road safety issue. A vehicle parked fully on a pavement creates serious and often dangerous barriers for pedestrians, forcing people to step out onto the road into oncoming traffic. This poses a safety risk particularly for people with disabilities, older people, children and people pushing prams."
The Principal of St Ita's commented:
"This project has brought real benefits to the school, parents, pupils and wider community. Many parents are now choosing to use the park and ride and take a few extra minutes in the morning and afternoon to walk their children to and from school. Staff have seen the health benefits this is bringing to pupils as they arrive at school calmer and more refreshed for the day ahead. The pencil bollards also make Alderwood Hill a much safer space and support everyone's physical and mental well-being, which ties in very well with our Being Well, Doing Well project in partnership with the Education Authority. It's wonderful to see so many parents and children choosing to walk, wheel or scoot to school safely. Staff at St Ita's will continue to encourage that behaviour change among pupils, parents and staff."
