Bridgend Council has appointed a transport advisor to try and tackle road safety issues it faces at a number of schools across the borough.
The role of the advisor will revolve around reducing traffic issues around schools, advising schools on all matters relating to traffic and transport, and ensuring the local authority has a "co-ordinated approach" to the management of school traffic and transport.
The appointment comes after problems at several schools in Bridgend were reported, in particular at Brynmenyn, Coety, and Pencoed primary schools, where issues had been caused due the layout of school drop-of zones such as high traffic levels and inconsiderate parking.
At a monthly council meeting, Cllr Tim Thomas welcomed the appointment of the advisor, saying not a week went by where he did not receive photos of "a near miss" at Brynmenyn Primary School, and asked if the council would commit to discussing a further long-term solution.
He said: "I welcome the appointment of a school transport advisor. Obviously, I've been influenced by the ongoing parking problems due to the drop off points at Brynmenyn Primary school. Not a week goes by when I don't get a horrific photo of near misses involving this school.
"I appreciate this is also a problem in Coety and in Pencoed, but I think the problem is even more acute in Brynmenyn and that's because we have one of the largest comprehensive schools in the borough, a primary school, an extra care facility, and a housing estate with no end exit."
Officers in attendance noted the appointment of the school advisor and the potential it had to make a significant difference to the situation, along with steps to make sure all schools in the borough had a traffic management plan in place. Other steps included bringing in more investment for crossings and safe travel routes to school, as well as use of mobile CCTV to stop dangerous parking.
Cllr Jon-Paul Blundell, who is the cabinet member for education, added that he was in regular talks with concerned parties, and was open to further discussions to find a workable solution. You can read more of our stories from Bridgend here or subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
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