Broxbourne Borough Council has launched a new road safety campaign aimed at tackling dangerous parking and careless driving outside schools, following incidents in which local pupils have suffered serious injuries.
The initiative urges motorists, parents and carers to adopt safer driving and parking practices during school drop-off and collection times, when congestion and obstructed pavements can put children at greater risk.
The campaign combines educational videos, direct engagement with parents and cooperation with schools to raise awareness of the potentially devastating consequences of unsafe behaviour on local roads.
Road Safety Concerns Grow Following Serious Incidents
According to figures cited by the council from the Department for Transport, 41 children were killed on roads across Great Britain in 2025, while 2,432 were killed or seriously injured. The latter figure represents more than six children every day.
Broxbourne Council says similar risks are evident around schools throughout the borough, where vehicles parked on pavements, obstructed junctions and limited visibility create dangerous conditions for young pedestrians and cyclists.
Several incidents have highlighted the seriousness of the problem.
Earlier this year, a boy cycling home from Woodside Primary School in Goffs Oak was forced into the road by a vehicle parked on the pavement and subsequently struck by a motorbike.
The Broxbourne School has also reported two pupils suffering serious injuries over the past year in incidents associated with inconsiderate parking.
Council officials say these cases demonstrate why stronger public awareness and changes in driver behaviour are necessary.
Council Partners With Schools, Police and Healthcare Professionals
The campaign features a series of educational videos involving representatives from education, healthcare and law enforcement.
Caroline Ginty, Head Teacher at Woodside Primary School, Professor Martin Griffiths, Trauma and Vascular Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust, and Sergeant Holly White of Hertfordshire Constabulary explain the consequences of dangerous parking and driving.
Schools across the borough will receive information packs to help distribute the videos to parents and carers.
Councillor Jim Clune will also offer visits to schools to discuss road safety concerns directly with families.
Council Leader Calls for Greater Consideration
Councillor Corina Gander, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, emphasised the importance of protecting children while recognising the pressures families face during the morning school run.
“I’m the Leader of Broxbourne Council but I’m also a mother, so I understand the pressure you’re under to get your children to school on time. I want my children and all the children in Broxbourne to get to and from school safely.
“Please be considerate when parking around our schools. Together, let’s keep all our children safe.”
Her comments underline the council’s intention to encourage responsible behaviour rather than simply highlight unsafe parking practices.
Former Police Officer Warns of Devastating Consequences
Councillor Jim Clune, Deputy Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, drew on his experience as a former Metropolitan Police officer.
“I’m a serving Councillor but also a retired Metropolitan police officer. I’ve seen first-hand the devastation caused when a child is run over and killed by a vehicle, to families and local communities.
“I implore you to drive and park safely around schools so we can ensure that there are no further serious accidents caused to any member of the community.”
Drivers Urged to Follow Safer School Parking Practices
The council is encouraging motorists to reduce their speed near schools and exercise particular caution when turning, reversing or approaching areas where children may cross between parked vehicles.
Drivers are also being reminded not to park on pavements, school entrance zig-zag markings, yellow lines or close to junctions.
Parents and carers who must travel by car are encouraged to park several streets away and complete the final part of their journey on foot.
Leaving home earlier could also help reduce rushed decisions and the temptation to stop in unsafe locations.
The campaign forms part of the council’s efforts to improve safety around schools through education, community engagement and greater awareness of motorists’ responsibilities.
The educational videos are available through the council’s road safety campaign video playlist.
By encouraging small changes in everyday driving and parking habits, Broxbourne Borough Council hopes to reduce the risk of further injuries and make journeys to and from school safer for children across the borough.
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