06 | SPRING20176 | LIVING in Havering
Safety in the Borough PSPO scheme already proving effective Since November last year, a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) designed to protect children on the way to or from school has been introduced at four primary schools across the borough.
Head Teacher of The James Oglethrope School, Deborah Rowles, interviewed by ITV London about the new scheme around her school
Engayne School in Severn Drive, Upminster, is the most recent scheme and was launched on 16 January. This followed Wykeham Primary School in Hornchurch, Parsonage Farm Primary School in Rainham and The James Oglethorpe School in Upminster, all launching their schemes in November. The PSPO restricts drivers from dropping or picking up children in the designated zone around each school
between 8 and 9.30am and between 2.30 and 4pm during school term time. Drivers flouting the new rules can be given a fixed penalty notice for £100. The scheme is still in a trial period, but has already shown itself to be an effective way of protecting the lives of children and encouraging healthy lifestyles by getting more children walking to and from school. ITV London News reported from The James Oglethorpe School in December and the pictures they broadcast of clear roads outside the school entrance and children walking safely with their parents to class were in stark contrast to the chaotic and dangerous parking and driving behaviour recorded by the Council’s project team during the assessment period. “Since the PSPO has been in place it’s absolutely done its job. The school is now located in a calm, traffic-free environment and what parent wouldn’t want that for their child?” Deborah Rowles, Head Teacher, The James Oglethorpe Primary School, Upminster.
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www.havering.gov.uk/pspo