Carol Richards

Surging traffic on local roads after lockdown in 2022 prompted Carol Richards to set up a local school street safety scheme in Crescent Road to marshall vehicles.

Now children and staff have a safer, quieter, calmer space around their schools to chat and play, and Carol has been nominated for Volunteer/s of the Year sponsored by AB Walker.

Four schools with over 2,000 pupils were in the immediate area and both adults and children had been hit by cars on the narrow roads, said her nominator.

Pollution was high from idling vehicles and the journey to and from school was stressful.

Carol offered to be the coordinator for a new school street scheme.

“She is the contact point for over twenty marshals, including parents, grandparents and members of the local community, whilst litter picking,” said the nominator.

“On top of her regular marshalling slots, she often covers when others are unavailable.

“Carol liaises with the schools and council to maintain two times during the school day, when families and carers start or finish school, with lower car emissions and risk of accident.”

Crescent Road is closed to all but eligible vehicles between Wokingham Road and its junction with Bulmershe Road from 8:15 to 9am and 2:45pm to 3:30pm weekdays during term time.

The scheme has been visited by groups from around the country keen to set up their own version. “Carol would want all marshals to be recognised for their volunteering over the three years the scheme has been running,” added the nominator.