As a resident of Cambridge, I’ve personally witnessed the growing traffic congestion around local schools, especially during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Every day, families fill the streets with cars, creating long queues and making it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to safely navigate. The issue is especially noticeable when schools are closed during the holidays when there is a significant reduction in traffic, showing just how much of the congestion is driven by the school run.

This situation is more than just an inconvenience, it's a health and safety issue. The constant traffic jams contribute to poor air quality, with harmful emissions from vehicles affecting the health of local residents, particularly children. In fact, the Cambridge City Council's Air Quality Report shows that air pollution levels in the city exceed safe limits, with vehicle emissions being one of the leading contributors. The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) states that road transport accounts for around 29% of the UK's total CO2 emissions, which is having a significant environmental impact.

On top of this, the safety of children is at risk. With the busy streets filled with cars, crossing roads near schools becomes hazardous, especially for younger children who may struggle to navigate the traffic safely. According to a report by Brake, a road safety charity, children in the UK are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident near schools during peak times due to the increased traffic.

Personally, I’ve often seen the stress that parents face when trying to navigate the traffic at school pick-up time. It’s not only time-consuming but also environmentally damaging. The congestion around schools like The Perse School, Chesterton Community College, and Parkside Community College is a daily struggle, and it’s clear that something needs to be done. That’s why I’m starting this petition to call for the introduction of a Compulsory School Bus Collection Scheme in Cambridge, ensuring that every child has access to a reliable and safe bus service.

The success of similar schemes in cities like London, where schools have adopted measures to reduce the number of cars during the school run, shows that this is a feasible and effective solution. In fact, Transport for London (TfL)reports that its school transport initiatives have led to a 15% reduction in school-related traffic in some areas, and a significant improvement in air quality.

How the Compulsory School Bus Collection Scheme Would Work:

• Mandatory Bus Service for All Students
  All schools in Cambridge would implement a compulsory bus service for students. This means that every child must use the school-provided transport to get to and from school, unless they have valid extenuating circumstances (such as a medical condition, or living in a location that isn't covered by the bus routes). The goal is to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads during school hours.
• Coordination with Local Transport Providers
  The scheme would require collaboration with local transport providers such as Stagecoach East and Go-Ahead London, which would work with schools to design bus routes that cater to the needs of all students. The routes would be planned to ensure that they cover all residential areas where students live, reducing the need for private car transport.
  School Responsibilities:
• Ensuring Bus Availability: Schools would need to work with local councils to ensure there is sufficient bus capacity to accommodate all students. They would also need to ensure that the buses are safe, reliable, and arrive on time.
• Communicating the Change: Schools would be responsible for communicating with parents and students about the new bus system, explaining the benefits, and outlining how the scheme will work. Clear information on bus routes, schedules, and pick-up points would need to be provided.
• No Parent Drop-Off Policy: Schools would implement a policy to discourage, and where possible, prevent parents from driving their children to school unless they have a specific need. In cases where a parent has no alternative but to drive their child, they must apply for a special exemption.
• Enhanced School Bus Infrastructure
  To ensure the success of the scheme, there would need to be improvements in bus stop infrastructure. Designated pick-up and drop-off points near schools would need to be created, with safe waiting areas for children and clear signage. These improvements would help to avoid congestion and ensure that students are safely picked up and dropped off.
• Flexible Options for After-School Activities
  For students who need to stay after school for extracurricular activities, the bus service would be adjusted to accommodate later pick-ups. Schools could offer shuttle services for these students to get home, ensuring that everyone has access to transportation regardless of their schedule.
   
  Benefits of the Scheme:
• Reduction in Traffic and Congestion
  By ensuring that children use the bus service, the number of private cars on the road will decrease, leading to smoother traffic flows during school drop-off and pick-up times. This will alleviate congestion in residential areas and near school zones.
• Improved Air Quality and Environmental Impact
  Fewer cars on the road means less pollution. The scheme will contribute to reducing harmful vehicle emissions and improving air quality in Cambridge. This is especially important in a city that is working toward environmental sustainability goals. The reduction in car traffic will also help reduce Cambridge’s carbon footprint.
• Enhanced Safety for Children
  With fewer cars in the area, children will be safer when walking or cycling near their schools. It will also be easier for them to cross the road or use pedestrian crossings without the risk of accidents caused by traffic congestion.
• Financial and Time Benefits for Families
  The scheme would reduce the financial burden on parents who currently need to drive their children to school. For those who use public transport, the school buses would provide a more reliable and affordable option. In addition, parents would spend less time stuck in traffic, allowing them to go about their day more efficiently.
• Encouraging Sustainable Travel
  The scheme would instill the value of sustainable travel in children from an early age. By normalizing the use of buses instead of cars for school transport, we can foster a generation that is more environmentally conscious and inclined to use public transport throughout their lives.

I believe this change is not just necessary for the well-being of our children and residents, but also for the future of Cambridge as a city that prioritises sustainability and safety. By signing this petition, you are supporting a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for our community.