Digital school zones roll out nationwide to boost child safety near schools
Drivers near primary schools in the Netherlands will soon receive automatic warnings via navigation apps during drop-off and pick-up times. This initiative aims to reduce speeds and enhance safety for children, starting in ’s-Hertogenbosch before expanding nationwide.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands |
| Target Group | All primary schools in the Netherlands |
| Implementation Start | March 2026 (first signs installed in Empel) |
| Completion Goal | Before summer holidays 2026 |
| Digital Warning Activation | Via navigation apps (spoken/text alerts) during drop-off and pick-up times |
| Trial Period | December 2022 – June 2023 (successful in 5 municipalities) |
| Councilor Responsible | Roy Geers |
| School Zone Radius | Approximately 100 meters from school entrances |
The municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch is responsible for local traffic safety measures, including the implementation of school zones. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to enhance child safety by leveraging digital tools to influence driver behavior around schools.
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Read the full translated article below
With digital school zones, we take another step toward safer school environments
We are implementing a (digital) school zone at all primary schools in ’s‑Hertogenbosch. Thanks to the digital school zones, road users will automatically receive a warning via their navigation app during drop-off and pick-up times when they approach a primary school. This keeps drivers extra alert to children in the area and encourages them to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly.
Today, together with children and staff from Kindcentrum ’t Wikveld, we installed the first school zone signs in Empel. This makes the digital school zone visible and recognizable on the street for everyone, even without navigation equipment.
Councilor Roy Geers emphasizes the importance of this step: “Children must be able to travel to school safely. With the digital school zones, we ensure that drivers are extra alert at the right moment. It’s a smart and effective way to further improve traffic safety around schools.”
What is a school zone?
A school zone is the area around a primary school, approximately 100 meters from the main entrance. The zone is marked with signs and road markings. These visual signals help drivers reduce their speed and be mindful of children crossing or cycling.
How does the digital warning work?
Drivers approaching a school zone during drop-off and pick-up times will receive a notification via navigation apps. This could be a spoken message or a text alert such as: “You are approaching a school zone. Reduce your speed.” The digital warnings are activated once the signs and road markings are in place at a school.
Planned work schedule
At each primary school, we will install signs and road markings in three to five locations. This makes the school zone clearly visible. All schools have already received a letter about this. We will first install the signs, followed by the road markings once the weather permits. Once the signs and markings are complete, the digital warnings will be activated. We expect all school zones to be ready before the summer holidays.
Successful national trial
Between December 2022 and June 2023, a trial of digital warnings for school zones was conducted in ’s‑Hertogenbosch, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Helmond, and Meierijstad. The trial was successful and is now being implemented across the Netherlands.
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You can get in touch with the municipality of ’s‑Hertogenbosch in various ways.
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