Coinciding with the start of the new academic year and as part of its commitment to safeguarding students, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the completion of traffic safety measures at 674 schools across Qatar.
As the back-to-school period requires co-ordinated efforts between families, schools and relevant government entities, Ashghal continues to work closely with all concerned entities to ensure a safe and healthy start to the academic year for every student.
This includes enhancing the readiness of infrastructure surrounding schools as a key element in protecting students and creating a secure educational environment that supports their future development, in line with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Eng. Abdulla al-Maraghi, road safety engineer at Ashghal's Roads Operation and Maintenance Department, said that school road safety remains a key priority for the authority through its School Zone Traffic Safety Programme, which has been ongoing since 2013.
To date, the programme covers 675 schools, with their surrounding areas assessed and upgraded in accordance with the highest international safety standards.
"Co-operation between state entities strengthens families' confidence in the education system,” al-Maraghi said. “Over the past few months, Ashghal's teams have intensified their efforts to implement integrated engineering solutions around schools.”
“However, safe infrastructure is only half the equation,” he said, adding: “The other half depends on road users' responsibility towards safe driving practices.”
Key safety measures include setting a maximum speed limit of 30kph, installing speed humps to calm traffic, and renewing road markings, pedestrian crossings and red road surfacing to provide cyclists with early warning when approaching school zones.
Sidewalks have also been widened and protective barriers installed, in addition to dedicated ramps to ensure safe and convenient access for students with disabilities.
Ashghal also calls on all road users to follow safe driving practices around schools, particularly by observing the designated speed limits and reducing speed when approaching school zones, especially during student arrival and dismissal times.
Cyclists are also urged to park only in designated areas, give full priority to pedestrians, come to a complete stop at pedestrian crossings, and maintain a safe distance from students and school staff.