A community march from Quebec Road to Telegraph Lane highlights dangers posed by reckless driving and illegal parking near Lionwood Infant School, pressing authorities to enforce stricter measures and accelerate safety initiatives like the Safe School Run Pledge and School Streets programme.
Parents and children at Lionwood Infant School have taken a stand to demand safer streets for their community, walking from the One Stop shop on Quebec Road to the school gates on Telegraph Lane. This demonstration highlighted ongoing concerns about reckless driving and illegal parking near the school, which poses a serious threat to the safety of students during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
Claire Brook-Scott, a concerned parent, expressed her frustrations during the walk, sharing a chilling experience where her daughter was nearly struck by a reversing vehicle. “The area around the school is simply not safe for children walking to school. More needs to be done and fast, before there’s a serious incident,” she said. The sentiment was echoed by other parents, including Chelsea Palmer, who noted the shocking behaviour of drivers who frequently engage in dangerous manoeuvres while families are trying to cross the street. This unsafe environment has left many parents uneasy, with youngsters like six-year-old Florence articulating their disappointment over vehicles driving on the pavement, stating, “I would like them to walk so we can be healthy and safe together.”
The situation has sparked significant concern within the community, prompting local councillor Josh Worley to call for urgent action. Worley stated, “It’s great to see people taking the initiative and highlighting the problems around the school,” emphasising the need for the police and Norfolk County Council to enforce better regulations and improve road layouts. He pointed out that drivers are frequently exceeding speed limits and obstructing footways, calling for a shift in how enforcement is handled so that the safety of school children is prioritised.
To address these issues, Norfolk County Council has initiated projects aimed at improving road safety during school hours. One of the notable initiatives is the ‘Safe School Run Pledge’, which encourages parents to commit to responsible parking practices to enhance children’s safety. Supported by local police and fire services, this initiative aims to foster a culture of safe travel around schools. In tandem, the Norfolk School Streets programme introduces timed road closures near select schools during drop-off and pick-up times, a measure that has proven effective in reducing traffic congestion and promoting active travel in various parts of the country.
Such initiatives are part of a broader effort to create safer and healthier environments for children commuting to school. The councils and schools are working together to ensure that these changes are not only implemented but also evaluated for their effectiveness. Moreover, the adaptations for secondary schools reflect a growing awareness of the need to address similar safety concerns across different educational levels.
As the community continues to advocate for safer streets, the collaboration between parents, local authorities, and schools appears vital in effecting lasting changes. Without a swift response and implementation of these safety measures, the fear of a potential tragedy looms over the community, underscoring the urgency for improved road safety around schools.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/25192940.lionwood-school-children-parents-want-safer-streets/?ref=rss – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/39716/Safe-school-run-pledge – Norfolk County Council’s ‘Safe School Run Pledge’ initiative promotes responsible parking to ensure children’s safety during school drop-off and pick-up times. The project involves parents and carers signing a voluntary pledge to commit to safe and considerate parking practices. Supported by the Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, the scheme aims to create a safer school environment and encourage active travel among students. The initiative is free of charge and offers resources to assist schools in implementing the pledge.
- https://www.activenorfolk.org/public/building-activity-in-our-communities/schoolstreets/ – The Norfolk School Streets programme introduces timed road closures around selected schools to enhance safety during drop-off and pick-up times. This trial, run by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Sustrans, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and encourage walking and cycling to school. The initiative has been successful in other parts of the country, leading to reduced traffic and increased active travel. The council is evaluating the effectiveness of the trial before considering its expansion.
- https://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/article/59112/Safe-School-Run-Pledge-for-High-Schools – Norfolk County Council has adapted the ‘Safe School Run Pledge’ for secondary schools and colleges to promote safe travel and parking behaviours. The initiative addresses common concerns such as parking issues and road safety around schools. It encourages students, parents, and staff to commit to safer travel practices, aiming to improve air quality and reduce congestion. Schools participating in the pledge receive a free resources pack to support the implementation of the scheme.
- https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2024-09-18/urgent-safety-inspections-ordered-for-almost-40-schools – Norfolk County Council has ordered urgent safety inspections for nearly 40 schools following concerns about potential ceiling collapses. The inspections were prompted by issues identified at schools within the Synergy Education Trust. While the material used in the ceilings is not inherently dangerous, damage can lead to structural risks. The council is working with schools to address any necessary repairs and minimise disruption to students and staff.
- https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24592268.safety-inspections-ordered-almost-40-norfolk-schools/ – In response to concerns over ceiling safety, Norfolk County Council has initiated inspections at almost 40 schools. The inspections focus on lath and plaster ceilings, which can pose risks if damaged. The council is collaborating with schools to identify and address any issues, ensuring the safety of students and staff. This proactive approach aims to prevent potential incidents and maintain a secure learning environment.
- https://www.whitehousefarmprimary.org/1510/travel-and-safe-parking-to-school – White House Farm Primary School encourages parents and guardians to support active and sustainable travel to school. The school promotes walking, cycling, and scooting as healthy alternatives to driving. It highlights the importance of responsible parking, advising against parking near school entrances to ensure visibility and safety for pedestrians. The school collaborates with Norfolk County Council’s AtoBetter Programme to develop and deliver a Modeshift STARs accredited travel plan, aiming to improve road safety awareness and encourage active travel among students.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The ‘Safe School Run Pledge’ and ‘Norfolk School Streets’ initiatives are recent, with the latest updates in May 2025. ([schools.norfolk.gov.uk](https://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/article/68668/Safe-School-Run-Pledge-for-primary-and-secondary-schools?utm_source=openai), [schools.norfolk.gov.uk](https://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/article/67344/A-Breath-of-Fresh-Air-for-our-students-at-primary-and-secondary-schools?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data but does not recycle older material. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is fresh and relevant.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from parents and local councillor Josh Worley are unique to this report, with no prior online matches found. This suggests the content is original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Eastern Daily Press, a reputable UK news outlet. The information about the ‘Safe School Run Pledge’ and ‘Norfolk School Streets’ is corroborated by official sources, including Norfolk County Council and Active Norfolk. ([norfolk.gov.uk](https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/39716/Safe-school-run-pledge?utm_source=openai), [activenorfolk.org](https://www.activenorfolk.org/public/building-activity-in-our-communities/schoolstreets/?utm_source=openai)) The sources are reliable and well-established.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about unsafe driving and parking near Lionwood Infant School are plausible and align with ongoing concerns in the community. The involvement of local authorities and the implementation of initiatives like the ‘Safe School Run Pledge’ and ‘Norfolk School Streets’ support the narrative. The language and tone are consistent with typical reporting on such issues.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is original, with no evidence of recycled content. The quotes are unique, and the sources are reliable. The claims are plausible and supported by official initiatives. The content is fresh and relevant, with no discrepancies found.
