Your Elementary Road Safety project should aim for three to five interventions with a focus on infrastructural changes. You will need to assess which interventions will be possible or available in your municipality. Here are the pros and cons of some interventions that may work for your school zone area.

Pedestrian crossings: signals or zebra stripes

Illustration of a pedestrian crossing signal.

Pros

Variety of options (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, zebra markings)

Cons

Can be expensive, depending on which signals are selected

Kiss ‘n’ Ride (new or redesigned)

Pros

Drop off / pick up drive-in space for children travelling to and from school

Cons

Too many cars located in the space at one time

Parents see it as a “drop-off and walk in” space

Watch your speed feedback signs

Pros

Easily implemented: Can move around to different locations surrounding the school (i.e. not permanent)

Cons

Short-term effects on speed (directly in front of signs)

Speed limit reduction: 40 km/h to 30 km/h

Pros

Easily implemented

Proven to reduce severe injuries in kids when speed limit is at or below 30 km/h

Cons

May require police enforcement to be effective

Traffic calming curbs

Pros

Easily implemented

Cost-effective

Cons

Not available in all municipalities

Designated school drop-off areas

Pros

Can reduce congestion and double-parking/other dangerous driving behaviours

Cons

Need existing space/infrastructure

Speed humps

Pros

Effective at reducing collisions/severe injuries

Cons

Expensive

Time-consuming to implement

Parking restrictions

Pros

Easily implemented

Cost-effective

Decreases congestion

Cons

Can increase speed

Automated enforcement cameras

Pros

Another indicator of speeding around schools

Cons

Expensive

Need municipal partners

Concerns about privacy

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