Suffolk Council to Review Road Safety Near Abbots Green Academy

Road safety is a worry on a street where many schools are located. Residents in Moreton Hall feel concerned about the heavy traffic near Abbots Green Academy. This is especially true during student drop-off and pick-up times.

Sir Peter Hall School, which helps children needing extra support, is also on this road, as is First Base Bury St Edmunds Academy. A bus route runs along the street. Grass areas are often damaged by cars.

Andy McGowan, a parent at Abbots Green, spoke about Airfield Road at a recent residents’ meeting. He noted that cars often park on the grass now, and kids walk between cars to cross the road.

McGowan fears someone will get hurt soon, as the grass has turned into a muddy mess. With Abbots Green school having grown and more houses being built, the traffic problems will likely worsen.

The plan is to gather everyone, including councillors and school staff, to solve this issue. Ang Morrison, who leads Abbots Green Academy, understands the community’s worries concerning road safety around Airfield Road.

The school wants to work with the community to improve safety together. They remind parents to park farther away and encourage walking children to school. Police Community Support Officers are also helping.

Morrison stated the school cares about student safety, including outside of school times. West Suffolk Council patrols Airfield Road and recently issued a parking ticket to a car parked where it should not.

Parking rules exist only by the school, and the council cannot fine people on the grass there. David Taylor of West Suffolk Council knows about the community’s worries, noting that rules only apply to the zigzag lines, discouraging bad parking.

Enforcement officers visit this area often. Residents can also report parking problems, which immediately updates the enforcement teams, who decide if they can take action. Suffolk County Council will also review the situation.

Although there have been no crashes reported there in five years and no specific safety concerns raised to them, the council encourages active travel to school, such as walking and cycling. They prioritize schools that ask for help.

School community support is essential to change habits. Abbots Green Academy uses Bikeability training to teach kids safe cycling skills on the road. Sir Peter Hall School also aims to increase active travel.