Authorities should restrict parental taxi services to encourage children's independence and autonomy
In a bid to ensure the safety and independence of schoolchildren, Transportation Minister Winfried Hermann (Greens) has announced plans to establish uniform traffic signs for school streets or school zones across the country. This initiative is aimed at providing a safer and more independent school transportation system for children.
The proposed measures will provide municipalities with more opportunities to establish school streets and school zones legally and securely. These zones, which create a pedestrian-only area for a limited period, aim to eliminate cars except for residents or emergency services. On a school street, only residents may drive within a specific time frame, and non-compliance risks a fine.
The implementation of school streets has already been seen in several cities, such as Tübingen, where a school street has been in place for several gymnasiums. Ulm, on the other hand, has established a parking zone 200 meters away from a school, while Bad Wurzach created a bus lane in front of a primary school due to parents regularly blocking the bus stop.
Minister Hermann believes that children should learn to navigate traffic independently and get to school more safely. He has expressed concern about the danger that exists at school gates, with parents stopping or driving off directly in front of school buildings.
However, the choice of solution depends on the local school situation. A main street school, for instance, is unlikely to install a pedestrian zone. Instead, other measures like bus lanes or parking restrictions may be considered.
The "Movers" program, which provides trained advisors to schools and municipalities, aims to make schoolchildren more mobile and schoolyards and streets more bike-friendly and safer. This initiative is part of a broader goal to significantly reduce "parent taxis" for school transportation.
Despite these efforts, safety concerns persist. In the past year, 378 traffic accidents were recorded on the way to school, a decrease from 423 the previous year, but it's unclear how many involved driving parents.
Interestingly, an ADAC survey revealed that parents' reasons for daily driving services include connecting appointments, bad weather, time-saving for the child, and convenience. Only a small percentage (11%) cited an unsafe school route as a reason for driving by car.
While more than half of the survey respondents rated their children's school route as safe or very safe, the need for increased safety measures is clear. As we approach the new school year, it's crucial that good intentions translate into concrete actions to ensure the safety of our children.
Both school street and school zone options are not mandatory but are offered to municipalities and schools based on local school situations. The ultimate goal remains to provide a safer and more independent school transportation system for children.
