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
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