A SERIES of colourful road markings outside two Frome schools have been labelled by some parents as “confusing” and “dangerous”.
The road markings form part of a larger scheme designed to make motorists slow down on the streets around Oakfield Academy and Critchill School and include a new 20mph zone, new crossings, changes to traffic priorities and the inclusion of a pedestrian and cycle zone.
The Safer School Streets scheme is in its 18-month trial period and has received backlash as some parents say the road markings, installed in August, look like something you would see in a playground and can be even more confusing for children with special education needs and disabilities.
Responding to the parents’ comments on an ITV West Country story, Frome Town Council’s Anita Collier said the council takes the concerns seriously but added the scheme’s trial was only given the go-ahead as the majority of people who engaged with the council about the project were in favour.
“As I said in the interview, the concerns of the people who came along to be interviewed by ITV are absolutely concerns we take seriously, just as we have taken on board the thoughts and opinions of many people throughout the consultation process on school streets since 2021,” she said.
The colourful road markings have divided opinion Picture: Frome Town Council
“The markings in Frome have been subject to two road safety audits, with another to come now they are in use, and are common to many of the 800 Safer School Streets schemes in the UK.
“However, we represent our residents at Frome Town Council; we can only do that with their input, and everything will feed into the evaluation of the trial.
“The Safer School Streets trial went ahead in Frome because a majority of the people who engaged with us were in favour.
“We continue to hear from many people who have seen an improvement, and who are keen to see the scheme become permanent.
“We encourage all of our residents to complete the forthcoming survey, attend meetings and email us to ensure we capture as broad a range of responses as possible.”
Cllr Collier said Frome Town Council had received reports from concerned parents, residents and school staff for a number of years about the safety of children travelling to school.
She added: “Doing nothing about that was simply not an option so with the help of our colleagues at the active travel charity Sustrans and Somerset Council, we have applied an evidence-based solution to a known problem, here in our town.”
The Safer School Streets scheme in Frome joins more than 800 similar schemes across the UK and is funded by the Department for Transport, using a ring-fenced grant specific for that purpose.
Cllr Collier said: “Our Safer School Streets zone is in its 18-month trial period until Autumn 2025 and we will continue to listen.
“We’re also reviewing a significant data set recorded before and during the trial by Sustrans and council staff.
“We hope to see the same improvement that has been recorded in the majority of School Streets, and to hear from residents about their experience, to judge the impact of the scheme.”
A Frome Town Council spokesperson said a link for the Safer School Streets survey and dates for further consultation events will be shared when finalised.
Enquiries about the scheme can be sent to engage@frometowncouncil.gov.uk
I’m in two minds about this. I am up for safer streets. I’m visually impaired and there is so many parked cars that park on corners or near to corners of junctions because they can and there is no double line. So many near collisions with pedestrian and car due to the poor visibility because of parked cars.
These markings are distracting and may slow down cars, but also are a distraction for young children. I really feel that the markings should have been more universal and a zebra crossing marking in place of this art work would have down the trick.
These give way junctions too with the slightly different textured crossings, are they to receive markings? I’m assuming not and cars do not recognise that they are a give way to people before car. Just do a zebra marking please! Or an optical illusion one of a zebra crossing. This will do the trick! I’ve seen different countries use this to slow down drivers.
Thank you for reducing it to 20mph!!! Maybe look at increasing the double yellow lines on junctions. Please look at the Weymouth Road one where you turn left to head away from park up to Oakfield. I can’t imagine double yellow lines are going to cost the earth of a bit of white paint on these red textured areas!