Road safety is a priority for all but especially around schools. Through partnership working Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and PSNI are focused on this priority. Together they have launched a ‘No School Parking’ awareness campaign across the district.
Harmony Hill Primary School recently received ‘No Parking’ signs as part of this initiative. These signs will improve road safety outside school gates during busy drop-off and pick-up times by encouraging better parking practices among parents and guardians.
Brightly coloured, child-friendly signs serve as a visible reminder for drivers to think twice before stopping in unsafe or obstructive places near school entrances. Schools can be allocated signage from the partnership on a first-come, first-served basis.
Councillor Alan Martin, Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP Chairman said: “We know the area outside schools can become dangerously congested at drop-off and pick‑up times. This is why the PCSP continues to work closely with schools and the PSNI to help address concerns.
These signs are a simple but effective way to remind all road users of the importance of safe parking. I would urge all parents and carers to be mindful of how their parking choices can impact the safety of children.”
Hilary Johnston, Principal of Harmony Hill Primary School said: “Our pupils’ safety is at the heart of everything we do. With the help of these new signs, we hope to reduce dangerous parking and raise awareness among drivers.
It’s a small step that could make a big difference to the safety and wellbeing of our children. As a school, we are so proud of how the children have campaigned for this with great maturity, even succeeding in having their concerns raised in the Northern Ireland Assembly.”
Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP in partnership with the PSNI and local schools, encourage every road user to exercise road sense, especially now schools are back in session. School days bring increased traffic: cars, buses, cyclists, and hurried parents all converge near school gates. It’s more important than ever for drivers to slow down, pay attention, and park responsibly.