On-site traffic policy and procedures
Statement of intent
This policy forms Appendix 8 of the Health and Safety Policy. The arrangements outlined in this document are set out in accordance with the premises Traffic On-Site Risk Assessment and the requirements of the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Inspection. The measures that have been implemented are to ensure as far as possible:
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Safe access to the school premises for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Satisfactory flow of traffic to avoid congestion.
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Arrangements for on-site parking and vehicular access (for staff and visitors only) during the school day, that ensures that pupils' safeguarding measures are adhered to.
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Provision of off-site parking (Park and Stride) to avoid/limit traffic congestion and unsafe/inappropriate parking practices at the start and end of the school day.
Arrangements
Safe Access for pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrian access to the school premises is through pedestrian gates at each end of the main car park, which avoid crossing the main vehicle access routes. Well-defined crossing points exist at the junctions between Moorgreen Road and Monarch Way (adjacent to the school), and between Moorgreen Road and Chapel Road (at the Recreation Ground Park and Stride Site). These two locations are manned by school crossing patrols before and after school. Marked cycle routes exist in nearby access routes (Brookside Way). The riding of bicycles and scooters on the school premises is prohibited.
Traffic flow on school premises to avoid congestion
Vehicular access through the main school car park is allowed from 8.30 am until 8.55am, to allow pupils to be dropped off. This is a one-way system with a 'no-waiting' policy, which ensures flow of traffic and reduces congestion around the school gates as far as possible. The school car park is monitored at this time of day by members of the Senior Leadership Team, if at all possible. The vehicle gates to the main car park are then closed by 9.00am for the rest of the day. The main gates are opened at approximately 4.00pm to enable parents collecting children form clubs to park on site.
On-site parking and access arrangements
The main school car park is designated staff parking only. The small car park adjacent to the emergency vehicle access gates is to be used only by visitors who have an appointment or who are coming to help in school. All vehicular access gates are closed during the school day as part of the school's safeguarding measures. Visitors may obtain access to the car park by signing in at Reception (on foot) and obtaining permission, provided there is a space.
Park and stride arrangements
In order to reduce congestion in the vicinity of the school and surrounding access routes, two Park-and-Stride sites are provided (Moorgreen Road Recreation Ground (Youth house) and the Southampton Arms pub). Both sites allow parking a short walk away from the school site, with safe pedestrian routes along pavements and with lollipop ladies at the designated crossing points. Use of these car parks is by agreement with the other premises and consideration should be given to other car-park users, particularly in the case of the Youth house car park, which is also used by Jimmy's after school club and Little Gems Pre-School.
Emergency vehicle access
The Emergency Vehicle Access is through the visitors car park. An emergency vehicle is able to go through the gates and into the playground. The gate is signed and is not blocked by other vehicles.
Should an emergency occur the gates will be opened by a member of staff in preparation for the arrival of the emergency vehicle.