Most of us know that oil is running out, and that pollution caused by the internal combustion engine appears to be a major contributor to adverse climate effects. In a small, densely-populated country like the UK, over-use of the car additionally causes pollution-related illness and severe congestion on the roads, not to mention many deaths and severe injuries.
Because of their size and noise, cars can also cause great inconvenience and even distress when parked inappropriately. Congestion, pollution and the effects of inconsiderate parking all seem to be amplified in and around some schools.
The old adage that teaching by example is by far the best and most effective way of getting a message or skill across naturally means that how parking and transport in general is managed at and around our schools will have a major influence on how today's youngsters come to see the place of the car and its alternatives in the world which they will inherit. Solihull Council's "Draft School Travel Strategy", for example, echoes the Government requirements in stating: "... all schools to be environmentally sustainable schools, teaching children by example".
The Well-Managed School
An example of forward thinking and thoughtful management is Orchard Vale Community School
in Barnstaple, opened in 1999 and situated in a housing estate. A primary and nursery school of 360 pupils from ages 3 to 11, the decision was taken to deliberately restrict parking on-site to a figure well below the old-fashioned and unsustainable ideal of one per staff member. Despite having 40 staff, parking spaces within the School site were set at 15 plus two disabled spaces.
In addition, "a barrier prevents any access to the school by cars during the day and after school it is not opened to allow staff to leave until all children have left the site."
"The ethos of the school means that staff and indeed pupils are vigilant about keeping cars away from the site and enabling as many pupils as possible to travel on foot or by alternatives to the car. Participation in national Walk to School events and local County based initiatives means that pupils are constantly reminded about the need to travel safely and healthily." [Quotes are from Sustrans]
"Sustainable travel is best served when schools bring a combination of measures together: curriculum work, school facilities which cater for sustainable travel, safe routes to school, restrictions on cars – in short, where sustainable travel is part of the ethos of the school."
Parking Standards and Travel Plans
Most local councils have now introduced parking standards for schools (primary and secondary schools generally have separate standards). Local councils are also supposed to follow planning guidance introduced by the Government, which includes reducing parking areas when there is expansion of facilities or change of use at a site. All schools are expected to produce "green travel plans" in the next few years.
