Watford Borough Council in partnership with their enforcement contractor NSL ltd has launched a new initiative to promote safe and considerate parking around local schools.
Pupils from Parkgate, Cassiobury, Watford Fields, and Kingsway Infants & Nursery Schools will take part in safety education sessions and a poster design competition to help spread the awareness for responsible parking that protects children.
The competition invites pupils to design posters promoting safe parking behaviours. The winning designs will be made into a large banner which will be displayed at the school gates. The wining pupil will receive a prize, and their school will be awarded £200. Alongside this, flags and posts will be installed at school entrances on a rotating basis to visually reinforce the message for parents and carers.
Unsafe and inconsiderate parking during school drop offs and pick ups such as stopping on zigzags, double parking, and blocking driveways create safety risks for pupils and residents. By engaging with young pupils directly through education and creativity, the council hopes to drive positive change from within the community. Encouraging children to take the safety message home helps influence parents and carers, building long-term awareness and safer habits around school sites.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Unsafe parking around schools puts our children at risk, so it’s fantastic to see young people taking the lead in promoting safe behaviours. This initiative is a creative way to involve pupils, schools, and families in keeping our school communities safer.”
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “By involving pupils directly through education and creativity, we’re not only raising awareness but also empowering them to be part of the solution. And while walking to school isn’t always possible for every family, it’s a great option when it can be done safely, helping reduce congestion and improve air quality near school gates.”
John Konate, NSL Client Account Manager, said: “Creating a safe environment for our children is a shared responsibility. This initiative demonstrates how education and community engagement can drive meaningful change. I urge all parents and carers to play their part by parking responsibly and adhering to the guidelines around school sites. Together, we can reduce risks and ensure that every child arrives and leaves school safely.”
The initiative builds on similar successful schemes run in other parts of the country, such as East Sussex, and forms part of a wider behavioural change effort led by the council to improve safety and community wellbeing around schools.
