I am deeply concerned about the risk posed by current drop-off and pick-up zones located near schools and railway station entrances. As someone frequently commuting near these areas, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers posed by these zones that directly endanger the safety and convenience of our children, adult pedestrians, and cyclists alike. 

Traffic congestion and increased risk of accidents are unwanted side-effects of this problem. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents near schools account for one of every five school-age pedestrian deaths, and railway stations also witness a substantial number of accidents due to pedestrian-vehicle interactions. 

In Australia: "Despite awareness of these issues – safe, sustainable and active forms of access to schools and children’s other regular destinations do not seem to be a priority in land use and transport planning.

Consequently, many schools are not conveniently and safely accessible via active or public transport, leaving many students and their families reliant on cars.

This results in chaotic and dangerous school drop-offs, with afternoon pick-ups the most dangerous of all, while adding significantly to traffic congestion." - Rethinking the school drop off: an effective and lasting approach, The Conversation, 29 August 2024

Emphasizing the importance of safety over convenience, it is high time we prioritize our people's well-being. By moving these zones away from high traffic areas such as school routes and railway station entrances, we contribute to making our communities safer and more hospitable. Please join us by signing this petition, and together, we can lobby for safer drop-off and pick-up zones. Let's ensure our children, pedestrians, and cyclists can travel safely to their destinations. Let's move these zones away from schools and railway stations.