Improving traffic safety around De Laak Elementary School in Wamel

Many responses to the plan

The proposal was not received enthusiastically by either residents or parents. An overwhelming majority voted against the proposed measures. Many alternatives were suggested. As a result, it has become necessary to reconsider and further examine various possible measures. It is striking that easy access by car is considered very important. This cannot easily be traded off for a safe environment for children.

Actions based on the responses

Based on all the feedback we received, we have decided what we will do, what we will not do, and what we will look into further. You can also read why we are not doing certain things.

What are we going to do?

• Creating a parking area for special bicycles
  The response to the creation of a separate parking space for larger and special bicycles was overwhelmingly positive. They were cited as desirable. There were few negative responses.
• asking teachers to park at a distance from the school
  The school administration immediately implemented this measure. We have received reports that there is now more space and better visibility on the street.
• Establishing a “school zone”
  School zone signage alerts road users that they are driving in an area with a school. This makes them more vigilant about children. We make the area stand out using road markings and brightly colored posts and fences.

What we won't do

• Creating additional parking spaces
  There are more than enough parking spaces in the area to meet daily parking needs. However, this may mean that you sometimes have to walk a little further.
• Encouraging parking on the basketball court
  This court is primarily intended for sports and recreation. Parked vehicles restrict the use of the court. We can take measures to make it inaccessible to cars if necessary.
• Building 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 make sense. Furthermore, Van Heemstraweg is owned by the province, and the costs for this idea would be very high while having only a limited impact.
• Add speed bumps on the street
  Speed doesn't seem to be a major problem on Lakenstraat. Certainly not during school hours. It's too busy then to drive fast.

What are we going to investigate?

• whether one-way traffic for cars is possible on
  . This would apply between Kloosterstraat and Wilhelminastraat. To prevent additional traffic on Koningstraat, we are considering a one-way route toward Wilhelminastraat. However, we do not want to direct much additional traffic there either. Traveling eastward would then only be possible via Dorpsstraat or Van Heemstraweg. We are also considering whether one-way traffic could be in effect only during school hours.
• whether it is possible to designate all permitted parking spaces
  This will be considered in conjunction with the possibility of implementing one-way traffic near the school on the side facing the residential area. This would 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 look into this further. To this end, we will seek advice from the police and the consulting firm that conducted the study of the school environment.

The sequel

We're currently planning the things we're going to do. 

More information

Do you have any questions about this project? Please feel free to contact Ruud Lommerse, our mobility advisor. You can reach him at rlommerse@westmaasenwaal.nl or by calling 14 0487.