#79 Safety Around Schools (pt 3)

The safety around schools short series has so far looked at vulnerable road users and active transport (brief #77), and speed zones and limits for school precincts (brief #78), drawing on recent Austroads publications including the Travel to School Guideline and related research reports. Part 3 of the series touches on traffic flow and congestion as critical focus areas for safe school zones and precincts.

Traffic flow and congestion

Managing congested traffic around schools is a key challenge identified by Austroads (2026)[1], particularly around peak pick-up and drop-off times. Factors associated with this challenge include the high volumes of traffic relative to non-peak periods and limited short-term parking opportunities, which often lead to traffic conflicts. Heaviest congestion is often found directly outside of or otherwise close to school gates, where vulnerable road user numbers are also typically high.

These issues can potentially be addressed through a range of strategies, including:

• Adequate short-term parking provisions for pick-up/drop-off (near school gate)

• Pick-up/drop-off zones within short walking distance from school entrance, but away from gates (e.g., Park and Stride programs)

• Improved public transport (bus) services to stimulate uptake and reduce private car use

• Staggered start/finish times for different school groups (e.g., junior and senior levels)

• Encouragement of through (non-school) traffic to choose alternative routes, including Low Traffic Neighbourhood models using traffic calming methods and other ‘modal filters’

• Avoiding school entry points on arterial roads

• Timed road closures for through traffic

  
  

Regarding the second dot point above, Austroads (2026, p.5) recognises that school drop-off/pick-up by private car can combine an element of active travel to help reduce congestion by:

locating parking infrastructure away from school frontages paired with initiatives like Park and Stride or Part Way is Okay, encouraging walking from designated parking areas to reduce vehicle congestion

Figure 1 presents an example of a Park and Stride concept plan, prepared by Road Solutions, to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety at school drop-off and pick-up hours.

Figure 1: Example of Park and Stride concept plan (source: Road Solutions)

Case studies

The Austroads research report presents case studies on how some of the above strategies can be used to achieve the desired effects.

Brunswick North West Primary School (VIC)

… timed road closures to through traffic on street sections around a school entrance can address the issue of high levels of motor vehicle traffic congestion around schools during peak drop-off and pick-up periods. By conducting Open Street trials in collaboration with other stakeholders, the school created a safe space outside the school gates for students to walk, ride and scoot safely, as well as enjoy the space with activities.

Outcomes of this trial included a 25% increase in active travel and overwhelming approval of the program, according to survey participants who rated the trial at 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Woodend Primary School (SA)

The ‘Way2Go’ evidence-based program in South Australia sought to promote active travel and reduce congestion while also addressing safety concerns, involving partnership between state and local government and school communities.

Woodend Primary School experienced typical local motor vehicle traffic congestion and parking shortages in the school peak, and concerns regarding safe routes for children who walk, ride or scoot to school. In response to these issues, the school engaged with the South Australia State Government’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport to deliver the Way2Go school travel program.

Key outcomes of the Woodend trial included development of a ‘mud map’ showing walking and riding routes to the school as well as the locations and distances to parking areas, as shown in Figure 2. This map, combined with overall program promotion, appears to have significantly increased active travel participation in specific trial periods, though broader and more comprehensive evaluations may still be needed.

Figure 2: ‘Mud map’ of key walking and riding routes to Woodend Primary School (SA) (source: Austroads, 2026)

Key references for further reading

• Travel to School Guideline (Austroads, 2026)

• Travel to School: Principles Underpinning the Guidance (Austroads, 2026)  

• Travel to School: Best Practice and Consultation Findings (Austroads, 2026)

• Speed Zoning Policy and Technical Guidelines (Victoria, 2025)

[1] Austroads (2026). Travel to School: Best Practice and Consultation Findings (AP-R751-26). Sydney, Austroads.