We, the undersigned residents of Bexley, wish to convey our deep concern for the safety of our children and the broader community, particularly regarding road safety near schools in our borough. As parents, guardians, and community members, we believe it is imperative to take prompt action to enhance the safety of our children during school hours.

Background:

In recent years, we have observed a significant increase in traffic around schools, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. This surge has created hazardous conditions for children, parents, and pedestrians. The absence of adequate traffic calming measures has led to speeding vehicles, congestion, and an unsafe environment for our young learners. Additionally, the current road conditions are hostile to active travel, making walking and cycling perilous for families.

In just the past two months - June and July 2025 - there have been several alarming incidents in London Borough of Bexley, including a teenager being rushed to the hospital after being struck by a motorist, and the tragic killing of a 70-year-old man and the hospitalization of a 67-year-old woman after being hit by a driver.

We urge the council to consider the following actions:

• Implement Traffic Calming Measures:
  Introduce of 20mph limits, raised crosswalks, pedestrian refuges, parking restrictions, and additional signage to slow down traffic in the vicinity of schools. These measures will help create a safer environment for children walking or cycling to school.
• Establish School Streets:
  Similar to initiatives in neighbouring boroughs, we propose the introduction of "School Streets," where certain roads are closed to traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times. This would significantly reduce vehicle congestion and create a safer, more welcoming space for children and families.

Conclusion:

We believe that the safety of our children should be a top priority for our council. By implementing traffic calming measures and establishing School Streets, we can foster a safer and more supportive environment for our young learners. We respectfully request that the council take our concerns seriously and act promptly to address this critical issue.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your positive response.