More parents are driving their kids to school and its causing a big headache for schools.
Almost every school in the district, especially elementaries, will see 8:30 a.m. logjams of big cars, small cars, SUVs and minivans all squeezing to get into tight school parking lots, drop-off zones and parking spots.
Richmond principals are often seen out in front of their respective schools trying to usher moms and dads along quicker to get the traffic moving.
School superintendent Monica Pamer is all too aware of the problem and is urging everyone to walk whenever possible.
We very much try to encourage people (to walk their children), she said. And some schools have a Walk to School week.
We continue to have ongoing efforts to encourage that, particularly at elementary schools where many of them have lots of traffic problems.
The Walk to School weeks have resulted in some improvements, but its a habit that parents have.
Some of them, Pamer conceded, are just not comfortable letting their children walk to school.
It is, of course, convenient as well to drive to school. But I would really encourage everyone to walk to school when possible, especially if its a neighbourhood school, she said.
Its safer and better for the environment.
