Broxbourne Council unveils new parking buddies at schools across the Borough

To support safer school environments and tackle persistent issues with dangerous and illegal parking, Broxbourne Borough Council has provided new parking deterrent statues to be used outside ten primary schools in the Borough.

The life-sized child-shaped figures, known as Parking Buddies, have been placed in strategic positions outside school entrances and drop-off zones. The Parking Buddies serve as a visual reminder to motorists not to park irresponsibly or block access routes during busy pick-up and drop-off times.

The Council is working with schools and local partners to reduce parking problems in and around schools. It forms part of a wider commitment to improving road safety and encouraging more active and sustainable travel to school.

Councillor Jim Clune, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, said: 

Children’s safety is paramount, and we’ve received repeated concerns from parents and schools about the dangers caused by illegal or inconsiderate parking. These new parking buddies are a highly visible way to remind drivers to think twice before stopping where they shouldn’t.

The Council is monitoring the effectiveness of the statues, which are currently being trialled around the Borough and may consider rolling them out to additional sites in the future.

Headteachers have welcomed the move, noting that it has already prompted improved driver behaviour and raised awareness among parents and carers.

Nicola Adams, Headteacher of Longlands Primary School said:

As a school, we’ve already seen a noticeable reduction in traffic outside our gates thanks to the new parking statues. Parents have been very positive about them, as everyone wants to see the road made safer for our children. We’re grateful to the Broxbourne Council Civil Enforcement Team for providing them.

For more information about the Council’s road safety initiatives or to report a parking concern, please visit: www.broxbourne.gov.uk