Concerns raised over misuse of school drop-off points

Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that it is introducing new temporary measures at three local schools following an assessment of how their drop-off points are currently being used.

From Monday 6 December, the drop-off areas located at Pencoed Primary, Brynmenyn Primary and Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen will only be available for use by staff working at the school, parents and carers who are Blue Badge holders, and home-to-school transport vehicles provided by the local authority.

The move follows monitoring by council staff which has confirmed that if used correctly, the drop-off points offer a safe, convenient way for parents and carers to take children to school.

Unfortunately, the assessment also established that the drop-off points are not being used properly.

Staff recorded multiple incidents of drivers having poor judgement, making dangerous manoeuvres and ignoring instructions from officers on site.

This is a tough decision to make and we know it will cause inconvenience, but we will not compromise when it comes to safety. These temporary measures are being introduced immediately to reduce the chance of an accident from occurring, and to enable us to consider what further options may be available.

It is evident that, if used properly and in the way they are intended, the school drop-off points do not pose any problem. But the unfortunate reality is that they are being misused, and staff have witnessed some incredibly reckless behaviour from drivers. We clearly have a responsibility to reduce the risk of an accident taking place. If the drop-off points continue to be misused in this way, we will have no option but to withdraw their availability.

This will always be a last resort and officers are already seeking an alternative solution, but I want to again be very clear that we are unwilling to gamble with the safety of our pupils – their best interests will always remain our top priority.

The council's Chief Executive Mark Shephard