At schools, traffic is concentrated in a few minutes in the morning and at midday: hundreds of cars, children crossing, and parents double-parking on the street. At busy commercial projects the scene repeats in another form: pedestrians between cars, delivery bikes stopping at entrances, and dark car parks. The procedural guide requires every study to include an active transport study (pedestrians and cyclists) to avoid crowding points, and a road safety chapter. This guide explains the elements of safe design around schools and commercial projects, why the short peak is different, and common mistakes.
Design Elements Around Schools
- An on-site drop-off and pick-up zone as far as possible, not on the street.
- A queue lane for parents' cars that does not block the street.
- Full separation between the students' route and the cars' route.
- Clear pedestrian crossings and traffic-calming markings.
- A separate bus entrance if possible.
Table: Common Problem and Solution
| Problem | Effect | Design solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dropping students on the street | Double-parking and danger to children | An on-site drop-off zone |
| A queue blocking the street | Congestion spreading to intersections | A sufficient internal queue lane |
| Students' route crossing cars | Direct danger | Separate, protected walkways |
| Buses sharing the car entrance | Conflict and delay | A separate bus entrance and zone |
| High speeds in front of the school | Accidents at crossings | Traffic-calming markings and clear crossings |
Busy Commercial Projects
- Separating pedestrian routes from entrances. Read: Access requirements.
- Good lighting for car parks and walkways.
- Waiting areas for order deliveries.
- Safe routes from parking to entrances. Read: Parking dimensions.
The Short Peak
The school peak differs from the network peak. So manual counts must cover the afternoon peak mentioned in the guide. Read: Peak hours and Traffic count timing.
For fire safety requirements in schools: Civil defense requirements for schools.
Safety Audit
Schools are among the projects that most need a safety audit at the design and pre-opening stages. Read: Road safety audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a school need a traffic study?
It depends on the generated trips and location; large schools on congested corridors usually need one.
What is the most important element?
An on-site drop-off zone that prevents cars queuing on the street.
Can an existing school be improved?
Yes, by reorganising the drop-off and queue and adding crossings and markings, depending on the available space.
Does the study include cycle routes?
Yes; active transport has its own chapter in the study according to the guide.
What role does lighting play in safety?
Good lighting of car parks and walkways reduces accidents and improves the sense of safety, especially in evening projects.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that designs safe circulation around schools and commercial projects, from drop-off zones and queue lanes to walkways and crossings, and carries out road safety audits. See our road safety studies service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.