With the new school year underway, Cumberland Council is encouraging headteachers and school leaders to secure their place at upcoming School Road Safety Workshops and help shape future investment in road safety measures outside schools.
The free workshops, which are exclusively open to Cumberland schools, will provide an opportunity for headteachers, school leaders and nominated representatives to discuss local concerns and explore practical solutions that could make journeys to and from school safer.
The sessions will also help the council identify future priorities for funding and support. Schools attending will have the opportunity to highlight the issues affecting their communities and discuss possible solutions and explore opportunities for future road safety funding and support.
Potential improvements include School Keep Clear markings, school patrol lights, advanced warning signs and road markings, pedestrian crossing facilities, traffic calming measures, School Street schemes, Parking Buddies, and advisory or permanent 20mph speed limits.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school, and we know that school leaders understand the challenges outside their gates better than anyone.
"These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for schools to tell us about the issues affecting their pupils, parents and communities, whether that's parking, congestion, speeding traffic, crossing facilities or encouraging more children to walk, wheel and cycle safely.
"We have funding available to support road safety improvements outside schools, and these workshops will play an important role in helping us understand where that funding could make the biggest difference. Schools that want to explore potential improvements at their site should ensure they are represented at one of the workshops so they can discuss local issues and possible solutions with the team.
"I would strongly encourage every Cumberland school to send a representative along and make sure their voice is heard. By working together, we can create safer, healthier and more enjoyable journeys for children and young people across Cumberland."
The workshops will take place in the Cathedral Room at the Civic Centre, Carlisle, on:
• Tuesday 29 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Friday 9 October, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Both sessions will cover the same content, so schools only need to attend one workshop.
Places are free, but booking is essential.
Schools can reserve a place via Eventbrite: Book your place.
