Threats, abuse, shouting and swearing aimed at School Streets volunteer parents
MUMS AND DADS ARE FACING AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS AT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP TIMES
PARENTS have been left reeling after reportedly dealing with drivers “shouting and swearing” at them.
Volunteer mums and dads stand along Norfolk Street, Cambridge, to block the road outside St Matthew’s Primary School during pick-up and drop-off times – when it is closed to cars.
They describe being subjected to threatening behaviour by drivers, cars mounting the kerb to drive around them and delivery drivers lying to volunteers about delivering to the closed stretch of road.
The temporary closures of Norfolk Street are in place for children’s safety, under a ‘School Streets’ initiative.
The information is shown to drivers through a sign next to the road, the words ‘school street’ painted onto the road, as well as the parent volunteers and their portable barrier.
Parent volunteer Henry Wilton said: “Most drivers are grateful when they see that we’re just enforcing the traffic sign and trying to keep children safe, but we have had to deal with moments of aggression.
“We had a van mount the pavement, brushing my partner, to drive round the barrier.
“I had a car drive straight at me, with the driver yelling abuse. These incidents are a good reminder of why the School Streets scheme is so important.
“It’s there to protect children going in and out of school, and the rare aggressive drivers that we encounter are the biggest danger to them.”
Georgia Orwell, another parent volunteer, said: “After I took over organising the rota in September, I was shocked by the kinds of incidents I was being told about.
“We do report aggressive delivery and taxi drivers to the relevant authorities, but the message doesn’t seem to be getting through that this is a legitimate scheme that should be respected by drivers.
“My hope is that, if the county council can install more suitable infrastructure next to the school, it will keep everyone safer and protect families from the worst driver behaviour.”
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary explained that its local team has planned a visit to the school this week, during which the sergeant will speak to the headteacher and volunteers.
The spokesperson continued: “We would encourage people to continue to report any concerns to us, online or via 101, so we can build up a picture of what is happening and work with partners to address these.”
The ‘School Streets’ initiative was first introduced in Cambridgeshire in 2020.
Schools can apply to Cambridgeshire County Council for the road outside their building to be included.
A council spokesperson commented: “School Streets have proved popular across the county, helping
I had a car drive straight at me, with the driver yelling abuse. Henry Wilton
After I took over organising the rota... I was shocked by the kinds of incidents I was being told about. Georgia Orwell