- Another urban area conducts safety assessments on school-related roadways to enhance pupil commuting security.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, an increasing number of urban areas are exploring a concept called "pedestrianized school zones" to improve safety and minimize vehicle usage for school-going kids. Dortmund, alongside local law enforcement, is temporarily implementing these traffic restrictions at four schools following the summer break, as shared by city officials.
These roads in proximity to the schools will be off-limits to motorized traffic during peak commuting hours for parents dropping off and picking up their children. The safety zones will be denoted with clear signs and markings. Moreover, designated areas will be set up at the schools for parents to halt their vehicles, enabling the exiting of their kids. The experiment is expected to run for a minimum of six to twelve months.
Expansion Plans in Essen
The initiative originates from a directive issued by the NRW Ministry of Transport in January, authorizing municipalities and traffic authorities to create these pedestrianized school zones. The temporary road closures seek to mitigate potentially hazardous situations caused by private vehicles or heavy traffic flow, thereby facilitating safe walking or cycling to school.
Encouraged by favorable outcomes, the city of Essen is considering instating another pedestrianized school zone at the request of school administrators and law enforcement. Currently, one road near a primary school and a linked high school is closed to vehicles at specific times in the morning, afternoon, and midday. Additionally, the city is planning to put up barriers or no-parking signs within a 200-meter radius around schools and kindergartens at necessary locations to enhance visibility on pathways and crossings.
Lack of Pedestrianized School Zones in Some Cities
Cologne has had four pedestrianized school zones since 2023, stemming from a pilot project, which is now expected to become permanent based on the new directive, as suggested by a city official. Further pedestrianized school zones require the formulation of a strategic plan.
Bonn has temporary road closures at four schools. Officials aim to establish more pedestrianized school zones to further decrease parental pick-up and drop-off traffic, as suggested by a spokesperson.
However, none of these zones exist in Bielefeld, Bochum, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Münster, and Wuppertal as per city representatives. Many places are currently conducting trials or planning for implementation.
Bochum plans to conduct a traffic trial at a school following the fall break, according to a city spokesperson. Bielefeld and Duisburg are analyzing the feasibility of pedestrianized school zones and potential trial periods. In Münster, schools' responses following the relevant directive have been limited.
The Commission, in its role of providing guidance, may suggest that Member States consider adopting similar measures to enhance safety in school zones, drawing inspiration from the successful implementation in cities like Dortmund and Essen. The Member States, in turn, could be advised by the Commission on best practices and potential funding opportunities to support the establishment of pedestrianized school zones.
