House of Commons · Westminster Hall
29 January 2025 · 12 other contributors · 8,749 words
Opened by Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury
Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Aphra Brandreth raised concerns about road safety: schools in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for local authorities to be directed to have a default 20 mph limit outside schools unless justifiable reasons exist to deviate from it. Suggests that such measures would protect children and mitigate tragedies.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
On November 12 last year, a young boy stepped into the road directly outside his school in Chester and was fatally hit by a car on Wrexham Road. The speed limit is 40 mph, and the community is determined to make changes to improve safety. In Chester West and Chester, there are 19 schools located on 30 mph roads, four on 40 mph roads, and one on a 60 mph road. A petition signed by 15,000 people supports reducing speed limits outside schools.
Discussed the difficulties in implementing school street schemes due to traffic on main roads, urging for the adoption of average speed cameras around primary schools.
Referenced a dangerous incident at Pemberley Academy in Harlow, where a car crashed into the school perimeter fence. He highlighted the importance of giving local communities more power to implement changes for road safety.
Acknowledged the progress made in reducing child pedestrian and cyclist fatalities since 2010, while emphasizing that every life lost is a tragedy. Stressed the importance of continuing efforts to improve road safety.
Discussed successful initiatives in Northern Ireland such as 20 mph speed limits near schools and a walk-to-school scheme that promotes physical activity among children. He stressed the importance of lower speeds to ensure pedestrian safety.
Discussed the issue of safety for children travelling to and from school, highlighting 1,414 young pedestrians and cyclists injured between 2019-2023 in Northumberland. Emphasised the need for better signage on Callerton Lane.
Addressed the issue of drop-off and pick-up times at schools, sharing experiences from Oakfield primary academy and advocating for a partnership approach involving school leadership, parents, local residents, councils, and the police.
Discussed the importance of promoting greener journeys and active travel for children, mentioning school streets guidance published by Active Travel England and the Department in November 2024.
He agreed with the need for wider area consideration when implementing school streets schemes, emphasizing the importance of integrating such measures with 20 mph zones to reduce risks and pollution.
He addressed safety concerns in Ottery St Mary, where a pedestrian bridge is inaccessible due to regulations protecting salmon spawning seasons, advocating for an exception to ensure child safety during school commutes. Asked a question to the minister but was not given way to.
Met the family affected by a fatal collision outside the King’s school, working on cross-party basis to improve safety.
He supported the hon. Member's concerns, citing Department for Transport statistics on child fatalities during school hours and highlighting local initiatives such as a £300,000 school streets project that restricts traffic around schools.
Highlighted the work of community speed watch groups and the need for better enforcement of existing laws. Emphasised the importance of reducing car reliance and improving public transport options.
Government Response
Lilian GreenwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Local authorities have statutory duty under section 39 of Road Traffic Act 1988 to take steps to reduce and prevent collisions, including setting speed limits. The Minister encourages sharing good practice among local councils.