Linter municipality urges parents to park safely near schools

With the new school year about to begin, the municipality of Linter is calling on parents to prioritize safe parking practices when dropping off or picking up their children. This initiative is a key component of a broader action plan designed to enhance traffic safety in school zones.

The municipality is collaborating with the police, schools, parents, and school administrations, with guidance from the Flemish Road Safety Foundation (VSV), to improve safety at the beginning and end of the school day. School directors will actively engage parents and local residents, emphasizing the importance of road safety in the school environment. "This includes proper parking and adhering to speed limits in school zones," stated Mayor Marc Wijnants. "When parents park improperly at the school gate, children are sometimes forced to cross the street in unsafe conditions."

An increased police presence is also planned for school entrances, with stricter enforcement against illegal parking. "Furthermore, nearly all teachers in Linter are authorized supervisors and will help monitor traffic safety. After an appeal, 95 percent of our teachers have completed the necessary training."

The plan also focuses on educating children about road safety, including the importance of wearing bicycle helmets. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to practice the route to school with their children during the initial weeks, promoting independent travel as much as possible thereafter.

Traffic sensors will be installed at each school to monitor the speed of passing vehicles, and school zones will be clearly marked with additional signage to remind drivers to slow down. Specific measures are also being implemented in Neerlinter to extend a barrier that is currently too short, preventing vehicles from driving around it. In the Getestraat, loading and unloading will no longer occur on the sidewalk to keep the path clear for students. Existing arrangements in Drieslinter's Motstraat will remain in place, with access restricted during school arrival and departure times. Wommersom is exploring alternative "Kiss and Ride" zones.

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This includes proper parking and adhering to speed limits in school zones. When parents park improperly at the school gate, children are sometimes forced to cross the street in unsafe conditions.