Forum Topic

Report: Ealing sees huge revenue surge from access restrictions

Resident Simon Higginson has unearthed fascinating data about how Ealing has raised huge extra revenue through school access restrictions. Like him, I support them in principle, but they are only morally justified if supported by clear evidence that journeys to school ARE safer - ie fewer casualties - (not just ‘feel’ safer), and the air IS cleaner (not just looks like it).Ealing has, so far as I’m aware, not yet published any evidence to support its original safety and environment ‘business case’ for these restriction (airy assertions from spokespeople and councillors don’t count), without which there can only be a strong suspicion that these restrictions don’t work other than to raise more money by introducing yet more traps for local motorists.Ealing say they do work; I say, as any business should in reviewing the success of its investments, then prove it.

Simon Montague ● 1d11 Comments

I did look at the link Philippa. It clearly fits in with your narrative, which is why you included it, but is irrelevant in the context of Ealing cuts. That’s why they got rid of the crossing guards here. It’s been well documented and your efforts to attribute another reason for it is pointless.It seems for most pedestrians that looking where they are going is optional. Phones seem more interesting than surroundings, and stepping out into the street without looking is very common. The Green Cross Code isn’t taught now, and there seems to be very little education for road awareness for kids. It’s up to parents to teach, and many don’t bother.

Simon Hayes ● 8m

Don't we all know about cost cutting?  I did mention it and it isn't the only reason for the job reductions in my post.  Did you actually look at the car speeding across the crossing with the Lollipop lady and children on it scattering them?  Or doesn't that fit with your narrative, Simon?The triangular signage I was actually referring to seeing elsewhere in Ealing was not at the top of a pole like most road signs but was a temporary yellow plastic 3-sided one right around the bottom half of that new restrictions sign pole drawing attention to it and to them - like a yellow plastic 3-sided Toblerone.  Thls makes the change more noticeable to all and much more of a talking point.  Admittedly it isn't a permanent sign - but how long should warnings of new signage stay for?  The costs have also to be taken into account.There is a problem anyway of motorists driving across junctions and turning too fast into roads when and where there are pedestrians of all ages crossing.  They need to read the latest Highway Code.  If and when there are any casualties the Highway Code rules will be taken into account.  That doesn't mean that pedestrians should be reckless either as they are the most vulnerable road users. How well are children taught the Green Cross Code or any rquivalent nowadays.

Philippa Bond ● 16m

A much reported problem is too much street furniture which apart from being cluttered makes easy reading of signage difficult for some. There's only limited time to take in the information, particularly when it involves time restrictions such as those on school street signs.As for lollipop ladies (and gentlemen) resigning because of abuse from drivers, that wasn't the case in Ealing. The council got rid of all their lollipops as a cost saving exercise some years ago, despite a well supported campaign to save them. so please stick to the facts that are relevant to this area Philippa.https://www.mylondon.news/news/local-news/pupils-protest-after-lollipop-women-8186952https://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=ealollipop001.htmConsidering Ealing Council managed to find the cash to bump up the pay of senior exectives shortly afterwards - and then  their own councillor allowances - probably gives lie to the need to make these low paid lollipop people redundant to save money.

Simon Hayes ● 16h

As mentioned, one thing these new school streets don't seem to have is the traditional triangular School warning sign (with the two children skipping hand in hand) and the flashing lights to indicate children about.  It could be this is only for an actual school crossing rather than a whole street, but they are at least familiar and effective at alerting traffic.  But do the Councils really want to alert traffic too much!Looking closely at the Southfield picture on the CW4 news page, they seem to have covered up the old school crossing sign.

Peter Evans ● 17h

What would be really good would be there were flashing warning lights that come on when the restrictions are active. Pretty sure I've seen warning lights elsewhere, that warn drivers when schools are finishing.

Andrew Jones ● 20h

Children's end of school hours are often staggered so as to make it easier for parents to meet them and for the numbers leaving the premises at the same time to dissipate more quickly.

Philippa Bond ● 20h

I like the additional triangular prism of warning signage around the bottom of the School Streets signs on poles that I've seen.  That is far more obvious and creates lot more discussion from a greater number of people ie those walking and cycling of all ages as well as those driving.I don't agree with the premise that there has to be proof that  it is safer.  More people will walk and cycle their children to school or allow their children to walk and cycle to school if it FEELS safer - you don't risk waiting for the accident.  These are people's lives and welfare involved not commodities.

Philippa Bond ● 20h

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ceq0z47exg8o'the odd irritated driver'?  Take a look at what happened above which is one of the reasons for community lollipop people not just retiring, or being made redundant by Councils but for giving up their jobs!Too many drivers drive too fast not just for the SPEED LIMIT but for road conditions.I agree more could be done to warn drivers beforehand but many drivers just aren't interested, don't read/can't read/don't understand the signs and just seem to drive on autopilot ignoring and not caring about all the potential dangers around them.

Philippa Bond ● 20h

"There are many documented cases of volunteers implementing school street schemes being abused and threatened by drivers." As soon as you tell the odd irritated driver you have saved them an £80 fine, I think you will be ok!As least you can 100% make sure the road is closed and children are protected, which is the real aim, is it not?

Nicholas Jenkins ● 21h

There are many documented cases of volunteers implementing school street schemes being abused and threatened by drivers.  There are retractable/movable barriers which need someone to swing them out and in but don't need to be manned by a member of the public facing the abuse and anger of a slightly inconvenienced driver.The practicality of a barrier will also depend on the street layout around the school.

Michael Robinson ● 1d

The fact that the Council has raised so much and fined so many from these school streets suggests that the restrictions can’t be that effective or therefore particularly safe. Many of the signs have different fiddly times on them suggesting it needs nearly an hour morning and afternoon for children to safely come and go, which seems excessive. To be practical, a few volunteers with hi-vis jackets and some traffic cones, as in many other countries, would be more effective for the short times needed, or at least paint SCHOOL STREET on the road to draw attention to the scheme. But maybe drawing too much attention to them isn’t what the Councils want!

Peter Evans ● 1d