The VVN Safe School Environment project already existed. Why this campaign now?
“The area around schools is becoming increasingly chaotic: lots of traffic moving in different directions, congestion and varying speeds. This makes it difficult for children to apply their knowledge of traffic rules. Parents regularly bring their children by car because they consider it dangerous. As a result, the area becomes even more dangerous. We are noticing that this is becoming increasingly urgent. Municipalities are asking us for support more and more often. And our nationwide school surveys show that parents are also concerned about unsafe traffic conditions. The message is clear: a safe school environment requires fewer cars. That is why we are asking parents to leave the car at home. Take your child to school on foot or by bicycle!”
Why is this message so important?
“Road safety is one thing, but children’s independence is at least as important. If children spend a lot of time in the car, they learn less effectively how to deal with traffic. When they take the VVN practical traffic examination in group 7 or 8, it turns out that they are often unable to travel the route to school independently. Yet that examination is a snapshot intended to determine whether they are ready for secondary school. If we work with municipalities and schools to create a safe environment, children can gain experience in traffic. And parents will feel more comfortable giving them that opportunity.”
How does Veilig Verkeer Nederland help with this?
“We facilitate and provide support wherever we can. Schools are under a great deal of pressure, so we genuinely try to ease their workload. But Veilig Verkeer Nederland is there for everyone involved: schools, municipalities, parents and local residents. Through our approach, we bring all the parties together and jointly take the steps needed to encourage children to walk or cycle to school. We provide expertise, data and educational materials, and we continue to develop these resources. Sometimes it is difficult for schools and municipalities to engage in dialogue with each other. In those cases, it helps that we, as an independent party, guide the entire process: from the initial discussion and research through to the action plan and follow-up support.”
What do you expect from this campaign?
“That we will reach many more people than we already do. The campaign really reinforces the work we are doing on the ground. I hope people will become increasingly aware of the role of the car. You do not want cars right next to the school. It would also be good if parents made use of their role as role models. Children quickly adopt behaviour. Use the walk or bike ride to school as an opportunity to talk about the day together. Practise at home with the videos and tips on our website, and get moving together. And for schools: if there are concerns about road safety, try to address them collectively. Whether that is with us or not. Ultimately, it is about children’s independence. That is why we need a safe school environment.”