Traffic safety concerns at Wervik De Graankorrel school spark strike

Wervik (Eurotoday) – De Graankorrel school in Wervik continues to face traffic safety concerns despite changes such as bicycle streets and the closure of Schoolstraat. Supervisor Johnny’s strike highlights a lack of communication. A meeting is set with the school board, supervisors, and police to address these issues.

The traffic situation at De Graankorrel School in Wervik remains risky. Although the school board and local authorities have taken steps to improve safety, including designating bicycle streets and altering traffic flow, issues persist. Schoolstraat is also closed during peak pick-up and drop-off times to reduce congestion. These measures aim to enhance safety, but challenges remain.

Despite these efforts, many drivers continue to stop in front of the school without adhering to the rules, making it difficult for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate the area. Authorities emphasize the importance of cooperation among all road users to maintain a safe and accessible school environment.

How can school traffic safety around De Graankorrel be improved?

Tom Durnez, the Alderman for Mobility, believes that traffic safety around De Graankorrel school depends on compliance with traffic regulations. He pointed out that parents and guardians often rush when dropping off children, leading to unsafe parking and congestion. This behavior creates hazardous conditions despite the implemented road changes.

Durnez urges drivers to slow down and be mindful of safety. While infrastructure changes help, true safety depends on responsible driving. He cautioned that if drivers prioritize convenience over caution, accidents will continue to be a serious concern.

“We have already introduced bicycle streets, changed the direction of travel, and closed off Schoolstraat at busy times,”

said Alderman for Mobility Tom Durnez (CD&V).

Supervisor Johnny has raised concerns about the safety of children following the recent traffic modifications. He believes the current situation remains too dangerous and insists that more actions are needed. Johnny feels that supervisors were not consulted before the changes were made, leaving them to handle the difficulties on their own.

Frustrated by the lack of communication, Johnny decided to go on strike. He acknowledges the inconvenience this may cause but insists that it is necessary to highlight the importance of children’s safety. Johnny hopes this action will prompt further improvements to prevent accidents and enhance security around the school.

“We’ve been left to our own devices,”

said Johnny.

“They didn’t ask our opinion when implementing the traffic changes. That’s a shame. It hurts to strike, but it’s in the interest of the children.”

The alderman expressed regret over the situation. While he respects the efforts of the supervisors, he acknowledges that they may not feel sufficiently valued. He was unaware of the strike beforehand, which came as a surprise given his recent positive discussions with Johnny.

A meeting will be held to discuss the safety concerns raised by Supervisor Johnny. Representatives from the school board, supervisors, and police will participate. The discussion will focus on reassessing traffic changes and exploring measures to enhance safety, including refining traffic rules and optimizing crossing points. Law enforcement will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance.

The school board also expressed gratitude for the supervisors’ contributions. They plan to offer some form of compensation for their volunteer efforts and hope these steps will strengthen trust and teamwork in improving school traffic safety.