Since Stonegate Elementary School installed “No Stopping” signs in front of the school, parents and families have faced growing challenges during drop-off, pickup, and school events. While intended to improve traffic flow, these restrictions have instead created unsafe conditions, unnecessary inconvenience, and environmental concerns.

1. Safety Risks for Students and Families

• Parents are forced to park on narrow two-lane roads with no sidewalks, putting children in danger as they walk alongside traffic.
• During busy events, families are left with no choice but to park on residents’ lawns, creating tension with neighbors and further hazards.
• In contrast, Notley Road offers a sidewalk that allows children to walk safely, yet the current rules discourage its use.

2. Negative Impact on Daily Drop-Off and Pickup

• The restrictions directly affect the daily routines of families. What was never a problem before has now become a major obstacle.
• The school’s pickup lane often requires families to wait nearly an hour with engines running, creating long delays and harmful pollution.
• Extended car lines increase the risk of walkers being struck by vehicles navigating congested streets.
• The parking lot and car drop off lane are too small for the school’s student population, making the current setup unsustainable.
   

3. Unequal and Unnecessary Restrictions

• No other schools in the surrounding area have these “No Stopping” restrictions on both sides, even though many sit on roads that are narrower than those at Stonegate.
• Stonegate families are being held to an unreasonable and inconsistent standard that puts safety at risk without providing any proven benefit.
   

4. A Call for Immediate Action

The “No Stopping” signs have unintentionally created more hazards than solutions. We urge the Montgomery County Public Schools administration, the traffic department, and local government officials to:

• Remove the “No Stopping” signs in front of Stonegate Elementary.
• Develop safer and more practical parking alternatives, especially along streets with sidewalks like Notley Road.
• Reassess the pickup lane system to reduce long waits, car idling, and pedestrian risks.
   

Why This Matters
This is not simply about convenience—it’s about protecting our children’s safety and welfare. Families deserve a safe, fair, and sustainable way to drop off, pick up, and attend school events without unnecessary hardship.

👉 Please join us in calling for a safer, more practical parking solution at Stonegate Elementary. By signing this petition, you stand with parents, students, and the community in demanding action.