Commission actively contributed to the environmental action programme report's execution within the Community.
In the heart of Mittelhessen, the ACE Auto Club Europe, along with volunteers from the Mitte region, recently inspected the school route at Giessen West Primary School as part of the "Easy Going - School Route Index 2025" initiative.
During a 30-minute observation of the morning drop-off traffic, 35 "parents' taxis" were counted. However, the drop-off traffic was overall rated as "satisfactory". Despite this, a concerning 71% of cases (25 vehicles) documented misconduct among the parents' taxis, with parking infractions in no-parking zones or driveways causing traffic obstructions and unclear situations in the immediate school environment.
The traffic infrastructure around Giessen West Primary School received a "deficient" rating. No traffic light installation exists for safe crossing of heavily frequented areas, and there are no structural traffic calming measures, such as barriers, speed humps, ground markings, or guardrails. A designated parent pick-up/drop-off zone for structured child handover is missing.
Nils Christoph Burkhoff, regional representative of the ACE, explained that there are parking opportunities around the school, even in the area currently marked as a no-parking zone, but they are barely used. He emphasized the need for action to improve the infrastructure, highlighting the importance of functional and clearly marked solutions like parent pick-up/drop-off zones.
Marcus Fischer, member of the ACE district association's executive board in Middle Hesse, underscored the need for clear and simple measures prioritizing child attention and protection. Schools with critical findings will receive targeted support, including information booths on school route safety and the development of local action packages to improve the school environment.
Across Germany, around 700 volunteers are examining the school route safety at over 150 primary schools. The ACE School Route Index 2025 will be released in autumn 2025, incorporating observations and evaluations from these locations nationwide. However, the school in Mittelhessen critically evaluated in the ACE School Route Index 2025 and receiving special support to improve its facilities is not specified in the provided search results.
Burkhoff also stated that there is a clear need for action to improve the infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of functional and clearly marked solutions like parent pick-up/drop-off zones. As the safety of our children is paramount, it is hoped that the findings from the ACE School Route Index 2025 will lead to much-needed improvements in school zones across Germany.
