Back to School: Walking Safely Through Roadworks on the School Run

Beaumont TM
Aug 20
3 min read

Updated: Aug 22

Children walking to school past roadworks — Image created using AI

September is here, and with it comes the familiar routine of the school run. Roads that felt quieter over the summer are suddenly busy again with cars, buses, cyclists, and a wave of parents and children heading to classrooms across the country.

For many families, this means dusting off the school bags, planning new timetables, and adjusting to earlier mornings. But it’s also the perfect time to revisit an important subject — road safety. And this year, with an increasing number of infrastructure projects and maintenance work taking place across the UK, it’s particularly important to talk to children about walking safely through areas where roadworks are present.

At Beaumont Traffic Management, we’re proud to be part of keeping people safe around roadworks every day. Our teams set up and manage temporary traffic systems to protect both the workforce and the public — but safety also depends on awareness, understanding, and making sensible choices.

Why September Brings Extra Hazards

When the school term starts, several things change on our roads:

Increased traffic volumes — the “back to school rush” adds more cars and buses to already busy roads during peak times.
More young pedestrians — children walking to school, may become distracted and are less experienced around traffic.
New routines — some children may be walking to school for the first time so are navigating unfamiliar, busier roads for the first time.
Changing conditions — darker mornings and evenings will start creeping in over the next few months.

Add roadworks into the mix, and routes that were once predictable can suddenly include narrowed pavements, temporary crossings, and diversions — all of which require extra attention.

Helping Children Stay Safe Walking to School

If your child walks to school — whether independently or with friends — it’s worth sitting down and having a safety talk before term begins. Here are key points to cover:

1. Pay Attention

Roadworks can create more noise and distractions than usual. Encourage children to:

Avoid using mobile phones or headphones while walking near traffic or works areas.
Be alert for vehicles entering and leaving work zones, especially large plant machinery.

2. Use the Correct Crossings

Temporary pedestrian crossings may be set up to replace permanent ones during works.

Always use these, even if it takes a little longer.
Never cross between cones, barriers, or parked works vehicles.

3. Follow All Signs

Signs and barriers aren’t just there for the workers — they’re to protect pedestrians too.

Make sure children understand the meaning of signs such as “Pedestrian Diversion” and “Footpath Closed.”
Remind them not to take shortcuts through closed areas.

4. Walk, Don’t Run

Roadworks can leave surfaces uneven, with temporary ramps, cables, or wet surfaces. Running increases the risk of trips and falls.

Tips for Parents on the School Run

Even if your children don’t walk to school on their own, there are ways to help make the journey safer:

Hold younger children’s hands when near active works sites.
Park away from roadworks and walk the last part if necessary, avoiding congestion and unsafe drop-offs.
Drive with extra caution around schools and works areas — reduced speed gives more time to react.
Allow more time for your journey. Congestion from both school traffic and roadworks is common in September.

Be a Role Model

Children often copy what they see. If parents take time to use proper crossings, follow diversions, and show patience around works, those habits are more likely to stick.

The school run doesn’t have to be stressful — it can be a great chance to chat, plan the day ahead, and teach valuable life skills about staying safe in a busy world.

At Beaumont Traffic Management, our priority is making the roads safer for everyone — from the crews working on-site to the families making their way to school. By taking a few extra minutes to prepare your children for the new school term and the changes roadworks can bring, you can help keep them safe all year round.