The Challenge
Blackpool Council commissioned a comprehensive road safety audit across local school and college sites to better understand reported and perceived road safety concerns.
The study was designed to:
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Validate concerns raised by schools, parents, and the public
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Monitor activity around school entrances during peak drop-off and pick-up times
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Assess issues related to safety, parking, congestion, and traffic displacement
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Provide broad recommendations for potential improvements where appropriate
To ensure a structured and manageable process, the study was delivered in phases, agreed with the Client to support budgeting, feedback, and reporting.
Our Approach
Essency deployed an experienced Road Safety Auditor / Highways Engineer to lead the study, supported by a systematic engagement and observation methodology.
Key activities included:
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On-site consultation with Head Teachers and/or school representatives to discuss safety concerns
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Direct observation and monitoring of school access points during high-traffic periods
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Collection of photographic and video evidence (with permission) to validate on-the-ground conditions
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Completion of individual written reports for each site
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Development of a recommendation tracker, co-designed with the Client to present findings clearly and consistently
Each site report included:
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A summary of observed safety and access issues
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Proposed options or interventions (e.g. physical measures, enforcement, education)
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Indicative costs, next steps, and programme estimates
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Annotated plans showing both existing layouts and proposed changes
Project Outcomes
The project culminated in a comprehensive audit report covering all school and college sites. The outputs included:
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A full set of observations and validated findings
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Tailored recommendations for each location, ranging from:
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Minor engineering adjustments
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Revised or new traffic regulation orders (TROs)
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Permit schemes and education-based approaches
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Consideration of full ‘School Streets’ models, already in use by other UK authorities
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A clear record of instances where no intervention was recommended, based on evidence
Essency’s role ensured the Council received evidence-based, site-specific recommendations, providing a practical and prioritised roadmap to support future funding bids, traffic management planning, and stakeholder communication.
