Car Park

Thank you all so much for your continued support with the management of the car park.  Obviously, we are doing everything we possibly can; such as opening 10 minutes earlier than previously so the children now have an extended drop off period to reduce the intensity of traffic. 

We would like to reassure you that Leigh Academies Trust are also working hard behind the scenes to improve the situation going forward.

With regard to access from Bearsted road, current planning conditions state that this is not possible.  The Trust has reached out to Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council to find out if there is any support or guidance they can offer.  In addition, they have reached out to the DfE to request details on any plans that were considered to address this inevitable issue and are exploring options with a transport consultancy firm. 

We are in the position where no single solution will solve the problem we are experiencing and a multifaceted approach is required. 

Further to this, we would like to politely remind you not to park in the Cygnets Hospital car park as they need the spaces for their staff and that there is great risk that the contracted parking firm UKPC will be instructed by the landowner to fine cars parked on the surrounding roads.

This is a final reminder to complete the BPA Travel Survey. The responses you provide the Trust with will be extremely helpful in finding alternative solutions to the issues we face with our carpark. 

REMINDER

To all drivers of vehicles using the academy to use due care and attention to keep all stakeholders, particularly the children, safe. 

To help you with this:

• Abide by the speed limit of 5 mph;

• Use ALL available spaces to park;

• Wait patiently at the entrance until a car leaves indicating that a space is now available;

• Use the full length of the car park to drive up to the roundabout at the end to turn around THEN park (map below). Use this route to park in the spaces at the front by the gates;

• When using the drop-off zone, pull straight in and then drive up to the roundabout to exit the car park;

• Follow the flow of traffic. Do not cut across it;

• Drivers to approach the zebra crossing slowly;

• Pedestrians to use the zebra crossing;

• If it necessary to double park, remain in your car until the other car is ready to leave.

Ultimately, consider your parking, behaviour and actions in the car park to ensure they promote the safety of all that use this space. Woking together, we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is promoted. 

Thank you for your cooperation.