Traffic congestion outside schools in Table View and Milnerton have been last week’s highlight after a spike in complaints received by TygerBurger regarding the implementation of alternative parking measures at schools in these areas.
According to residents who stay opposite or nearby these schools, the schools or local ward councillors are doing nothing to accommodate parents dropping off and picking up their kids.
“School runs are often crazy for parents. I know that because I’m in the same boat. But to park in front of my driveway is unacceptable. There is no parking available for parents at Milnerton Primary or Woodbridge Primary and as a result, our driveways are their only solution. We urge the schools to look into this matter as it is becoming out of control,” says Ursula Bennett.
Residents suggest that the school time should be adjusted to accommodate parents dropping off learners, the inside of the school premises should be used or traffic officials should be stationed outside schools to regulate the build-up.
A resident nearby Woodbridge Primary School who wishes to stay anonymous out of fear of victimisation, says he is experiencing exactly the same problem. He says traffic congestion in the afternoons is just as crazy as the mornings.
“People park illegally on both sides of the road, as well as on the pavements, causing this congestion. I sometimes have to ask people to remove their vehicles, parked in front of my vehicle entrance gates.
I already had discussions with concerned parties and I wrote several letters (emails) to different parties, concerning this traffic problem. As this seems to be a common problem at different schools in this area and may be also in other areas, it is important that this matter be brought to the attention of the general public,” he says.
He says he approached the school for a possible solution who gave him traffic cones to put outside to block his driveway.
“The school has a big field which can be used to pick up and drop off kids. I have been battling for years with the school, but no luck so far. This is not only subject to Woodbridge Primary, it is happening all over. Go take a look in Table View … it’s much worse,” he says.
When enquiring about the matter at Woodbridge Primary School, the school principal Roschni Jappie said that as per the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) communication policy, all media enquiries must be directed to the director of communication, Bronagh Hammond.
Hammond responded saying that the district office has not received any complaints regarding Woodbridge Primary School.
“All parents, transport contractors and public transport providers must adhere to the relevant municipal traffic by-laws that are in place no matter if it is outside a school, shop or their home. There are not different rules,” Hammond says.
She adds that schools constantly engage parents on the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods and the appropriate or designated areas in which to do so.
“However, neither the school, nor the WCED can impose sanctions in this regard if a parent does not adhere to it. Citizens should engage with their local councillor who can also engage with the municipality’s traffic services if the situation becomes problematic. Our schools do not want to upset their local community residents, and will do their best to communicate best practice and find solutions to traffic congestion. However, they are ultimately not responsible for the enforcement of it.”
TygerBurger is still waiting on comment from the local ward councillor.
