Safer Routes to School in Wolverhampton: A Guide for Parents

Hi Resident

West Midlands Police believe that ensuring safety during the school commute is essential because it protects children from harm, reduces the risk of Road Traffic Accidents, and promotes confidence among families. By encouraging safer routes and responsible driver behaviour near schools, they aim to create a secure environment where young people can travel independently, stay active, and focus on their education without fear or risk.

1. What are Safer Routes to School?

Wolverhampton City Council’s “Safer Routes to School” initiative (in place since 1996) aims to reduce traffic risks near schools through community planning, road safety training, and practical safety infrastructure like crossings, speed cushions, dropped kerbs, and markings.

2. Recent Improvements Near Manor Primary School

In April–May 2025, Wolverhampton Council implemented several improvements around Manor Primary on Ettingshall Road and Foster Avenue, including:

School-zone markings and signage

Speed cushions to slow vehicles

Dropped kerbs and pedestrian refuges

Waiting/loading restrictions to deter parking near the school entrance

These were installed after safety reviews and local consultations showing two pedestrian collisions in three years.

3. Enforcement of School-Zone Parking

To support these changes, Wolverhampton introduced a Mobile Enforcement Vehicle equipped with high-definition cameras and GPS to monitor school “keep clear” zones and bus stops. The aim is to curb illegal parking, a major hazard for schoolchildren during drop-off and pick-up.

4. How Parents Can Make School Journeys Safer

Plan a walking or cycling route:

Use quieter residential streets and green corridors (e.g., Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 81) to avoid main roads.

Bear in mind Wolverhampton’s “moderately hilly” terrain, but many routes are commuter‑cycle friendly.

Practice road safety skills:

Schools, with support from the Road Safety Team, often run Bikeability or pedestrian awareness sessions. Ask your school if they offer this.

Follow parking rules:

- Never stop on yellow “school keep clear” markings during enforced hours.

Respect waiting/loading restrictions and don’t drop your child off so close to the gate that they have to dodge traffic.

The Council and police regularly enforce these rules to maintain safety.

Understand new road layouts:

Adjust to traffic calming zones: speed cushions, narrowing, and new signage. These are designed to slow traffic but may feel unfamiliar — take a walk or cycle the route after school one day to practice.

Stay alert at crossings:

Make use of the newly installed dropped kerbs, pedestrian refuges, and zebra/pelican crossings.

Teach your child to make eye contact with drivers before stepping out, and emphasise waiting for gaps even on protected crossings.

5. Why It Matters

Encouraging walking, cycling, or scooting supports children’s health and well being.

It helps reduce congestion and emissions — and makes streets calmer and safer.

Real-world outcomes: since the Manor Primary measures were installed, the school community reports a more welcoming and safer environment.

Action Steps Checklist for Parents

Step What to Do

1. Ask your school if they participate in Bikeability or Safer Routes schemes.

2. Walk or cycle with your child along your chosen route before school starts.

3. Point out crossings, markings, and road‑calming.

4. Respect parking restrictions and keep clear zones – even for quick drop-offs.

5. Stay alert: make eye contact, wait for vehicles to stop, and keep children visible.

In Summary

Wolverhampton’s Safer Routes to School initiative combines practical infrastructure, active enforcement, and education to make school journeys safer. As parents, selecting well-planned routes, respecting parking limits, and teaching road awareness can significantly reduce risk. Together with walking and cycling, you’re supporting healthier habits, clearer streets, and safer communities.

Next Steps:

Reach out to your school or the City Council’s Road Safety Team for local route maps, Bikeability sessions, and updates on new safety installations near your child’s school. If there’s a trouble spot, speak up — recent schemes, like those at Manor Primary, were driven by parents and staff raising concerns.

Let’s walk, cycle, and scoot together toward safer school journeys!

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