Cork County Council Launches Pedestrian Safety Campaign Targeting School Gate Areas

Cork County Council has launched a new pedestrian safety campaign in partnership with An Garda Síochána, Cork County Fire Service, and the Road Safety Authority, focusing on protecting children and families around busy school zones across the county.

The campaign, launched on 27 January 2026, emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in reducing pedestrian incidents, particularly at school gate areas identified as high-risk zones throughout the year.

Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, The Mayor of the County of Cork:

"With the combined efforts of families, schools, residents, and drivers, County Cork can continue to strengthen its commitment to pedestrian safety. Every safe decision, whether it's a driver slowing down, a parent modelling safe behaviour, or a child following the Safe Cross Code will contribute to safer roads."

The RSA Seatbelt Sheriff was on hand to support the launch.

School Wardens and Crossing Points

The campaign highlights the vital role school wardens play in protecting children and supporting safe school crossing points. Their instructions must be followed at all times.

Pedestrians are urged to always use school warden-supervised crossings where available and to follow signals at controlled crossings. Extra caution is required at uncontrolled crossings due to the absence of signals or supervision.

Pedestrians must ensure traffic has come to a complete stop before stepping onto the road and put away any distractions like mobile phones or earphones when crossing or using the road. Adult pedestrians are asked to model safe behaviour at all times by using designated crossing areas, taking those extra few steps to get to the crossing.

Message for Drivers

Drivers are reminded to slow down and obey posted speed limits when approaching schools or pedestrian crossing points, and to expect the unexpected, particularly around younger children.

The campaign asks motorists to respect the school warden service and park responsibly, keeping clear of zig-zag lines near crossings, double yellow lines, restricted parking zones, and private driveways and entrances.

Allowing extra time, especially during morning and afternoon peaks, is essential. Drivers are reminded to be patient, with safety first always.

Safe Cross Code

Children and adults are encouraged to follow the Safe Cross Code: stop, look all around and listen; wait until it is safe to cross; never run across the road; and keep watching and listening while crossing.

Parents and guardians are reminded to model these behaviours, as children learn most effectively by example.

High-Visibility Clothing

Wearing high-visibility clothing, particularly during winter months, in low-light or bad weather, greatly increases the visibility of pedestrians. Adults accompanying children are strongly encouraged to wear hi-vis gear to reinforce safe habits and ensure they are easily seen by drivers.

The campaign concludes with a reminder that it's never too late to revisit behaviour on the roads, and together we can all make a difference.