Improving traffic safety around De Laak primary school in Wamel

Many responses to the plan

Neither residents nor parents were enthusiastic about the proposal. An overwhelming majority voted against the proposed measures. Many alternatives were suggested. As a result, it has become necessary to reconsider and further investigate various possible measures. It is striking that good accessibility by car is considered very important. This cannot easily be exchanged for a safe environment for children.

Actions based on responses

Based on all the responses, we have determined what we will do, what we will not do, and what we will investigate further. You can also read why we are not doing something.

What are we going to do?

• creating a parking area for special bicycles
  The responses to the creation of a separate parking area for larger and special bicycles were predominantly positive. They are mentioned as desirable. There were few negative responses to this.
• Teachers are required to park at a distance from the school
  This measure was immediately implemented by the school management. Reports indicate that there is now more space and clarity in the street.
• Creating a "school zone"
  A school zone sign alerts road users that they are driving in an area with a school. This makes them extra cautious around children. We make the area stand out by using road markings and brightly colored posts and fences.

What we will not do

• creating additional parking spaces
  There are more than enough parking spaces in the area to meet daily parking needs. This may mean that you sometimes have to walk a little further.
• Encouraging parking on the basketball court
  This court was primarily constructed for sports and games. Parked vehicles restrict the use of the court. We can take measures to make it inaccessible to cars if this proves necessary.
• Constructing new roads or roundabouts through the park or behind the school
  Most students live in the village. An entrance on Van Heemstraweg would therefore not be logical. Furthermore, Van Heemstraweg is owned by the province, and the costs for this idea would be very high with limited effect.
• Add speed bumps to the street
  Speed does not seem to be a structural problem in Lakenstraat, especially not around school hours. At those times, it is too busy to drive fast.

What are we going to investigate?

• Whether one-way traffic for cars is possible
  This would apply between Kloosterstraat and Wilhelminastraat. To prevent extra traffic in Koningstraat, we are looking at a driving direction towards Wilhelminastraat. But we don't want to direct a lot of extra traffic there either. Driving east would then only be possible via Dorpsstraat or Van Heemstraweg. We are also looking into whether one-way traffic could only be in effect during school hours.
• whether it is possible to designate all permitted parking spaces
  This will be considered in combination with the possibility of one-way traffic near the school on the side of the houses. This will keep the area in front of the school clear and uncluttered. A no-stopping or no-parking zone near the school may then be desirable. We can also investigate this further. We will seek advice on this from the police and the consultancy firm that conducted the study of the school environment.

The sequel

We are now planning the things we are going to do. 

More information

Do you have any questions about this project? Please feel free to contact Ruud Lommerse, our mobility advisor. He can be reached at rlommerse@westmaasenwaal.nl or on 14 0487.