“In relation to the pencil bollards and the 70 large polka dots installed on Seafield Avenue, that the Manager address the upset caused to local residents by the installation of same without any prior consultation with residents who feel the peaceful and attractive ambience of the road has been negatively affected by the installation of same and if he can agree to at this stage consult with residents with a view to removing the pencil bollards and polka dots and installing a more agreeable measure to address a parking problem at the entrance to Greenlanes School.”
Minutes:
“In relation to the pencil bollards and the 70 large polka dots installed on Seafield Avenue, that the Manager address the upset caused to local residents by the installation of same without any prior consultation with residents who feel the peaceful and attractive ambience of the road has been negatively affected by the installation of same and if he can agree to at this stage consult with residents with a view to removing the pencil bollards and polka dots and installing a more agreeable measure to address a parking problem at the entrance to Greenlanes School.”
Reply:
Front-of-school congestion is a chronic problem across Ireland in rural, urban and suburban settings. This issue is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires space for social distancing on footpaths and avoiding congregation of people at school gates. On 1st July 2020, the Health Service Executive (HSE) released ‘Interim Recommendations’ for the reopening of schools including promoting of active travel to school and encouraging parents to park further away from the school and then walk with their children to avoid congestion.
High volumes of vehicles at school gates mean small children have no safe access to school, often having to maneuver around parked and turning vehicles to get into the school grounds. Reducing the number of drop offs and pickups by private vehicle at the school gate will free up space at school gates to allow for safe physical distancing while reducing hazards for children walking, cycling and scooting to school.
The School Zones initiative, created by the NTA in collaboration with Green-Schools, aims to create a safer, calmer and more attractive environment outside of schools. The School Zone design gives priority to students at the school gate by freeing up footpaths and reducing vehicle drop-offs, pick-ups and idling. The aim is to reduce congestion and increase safety at the front of school, and prioritise active travel (walking and cycling) to and from school. In addition, reducing traffic at school gates significantly improves air quality further improving quality of life for children and all others in the vicinity.
Eye-catching traffic calming measures, such as colourful circles, encourage traffic to slow down. Pencil-shaped bollards discourage parking on pavements and stopping, or even dropping pupils off in/near the School Zone. Overall visibility at the approach to school entrances is improved and public space is reallocated to pedestrians and those choosing active travel. The playful appearance of these features was not overlooked – the colourful dots are purposefully designed at 2.0m distances to discourage children from jumping between them. Consistency in the colour scheme and the proposed elements are considered key, since the long-term vision is to establish a recognisable national School Zone template. However, the proposals are carefully considered by designers on a case by case basis. In general, a School Zone must cover the main pedestrian and cycle entrances, so that drivers understand the treatment relates to a school.
We initially piloted two School Zones in the Dublin City Council administrative area; one in Francis Street School, D8 and one at Central Model School, D1. Following extremely positive feedback for the schools and parents, we contacted all primary schools in DCC inviting all interested schools to complete an application form for a School Zone. Greenlanes NS applied and was deemed a suitable location for a School Zone. It was implemented to improve safety for the children walking and cycling to school including for the children of the recently established cycle bus.
The Covid Mobility Team have been in touch with a number of residents on Seafield Avenue in relation to their concerns. We are also taking on board messages from those in favour of the initiative in the area. The safety of children on route to school is our priority in this instance.
Coilín O’Reilly
Director of Services
North City
Contact: Covid Mobility Team.
Email: covidmobility@dublincity.ie
Order: Report to Councillor.