Addressing Traffic and Parking Concerns Near Bolton-le-Sands Primary School

Bolton-le-Sands Parish Council in collaboration with Bolton-le-Sands Primary School, is actively working to address ongoing traffic and parking issues, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. These concerns have increased since the closure of the Bolton Lane school gate, which has funneled all school pedestrian access and increased vehicle traffic through Packet Lane, leading to greater congestion and safety risks.

Community Input

The Parish Council invites residents to share their experiences and concerns related to parking and traffic, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Your input is vital in shaping future discussions with local authorities and identifying potential solutions.

If you have feedback or suggestions, please use this Form or contact the Parish Council.

Key Areas of Concern

• School Access: The locked Bolton Lane gate has concentrated foot and vehicle traffic to a single access point, exacerbating the situation.
• Packet Lane: Increased traffic resulting in vehicles driving close to the wall along Packet Lane, blocking access for pedestrians.
• Main Road: Parking violations, particularly on yellow lines near Packet Lane, pose safety hazards and contribute to congestion by reducing traffic to a single lane.
• Vehicles mounting the narrow pavement along Main Road, forcing children and carers onto the road.

To provide a clearer understanding of the situation, we have created a detailed map highlighting these key areas of concern.

Map Safety Issues: School Access, Parking & Traffic

Recent Developments
Over the weekend, Cllr. Robert Taylor met with Lizzi Collinge MP to discuss these issues. Lizzi appreciates the significance of the problem and has since written to Lancashire County Council, urging them to conduct an assessment and consider measures to improve safety. You can view Lizzi’s statement about the visit here.

Reminders for the Community

We kindly remind residents to:

• Avoid parking on yellow lines, as this disrupts traffic flow and endangers pedestrians.
• Drive carefully and avoid Packet Lane and the Community Centre car park during school hours.
• Give pedestrians room along Packet Lane, help maintain a safe environment for children and their carers.
• Follow the School’s advice to walk to school or ‘Park and Stride’ from near Holy Trinity Church.
• Give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road at junctions [Highway code: Rule 170].
• Don’t mount the narrow curbs along main road.

Together, we can create safer routes for our school community and support effective changes that benefit all residents.

Thank you for your attention and involvement.