Police Launch Back-to-School Road Safety Campaign

On Thursday 11 September 2025, the Grand Ducal Police announced their National Road Safety Campaign for the Back-to-School Period, focusing on road safety around the start of the school year and aiming to protect children on their way to school.

The police have announced that from Monday 15 September 2025, they will increase their presence around school areas to assist teachers and parents. Officers will carry out checks targeting speeding near schools and unsafe parking and will also monitor seatbelt use and any other dangerous manoeuvres.

The police will also distribute free high-visibility vests to all pupils in Cycle 2.1 of primary school, an initiative the police said raises awareness of children’s visibility and helps improve it during daily journeys to and from school. This year, the vest distribution will include a creative competition. Cycle 2.1 classes will receive simplified vest templates, which teachers can decorate with pupils and submit to the police. The winning class will receive a special prize for the student and their classmates.

The police also communicated the following advice for parents, children and motorists.

Advice for Parents

• Walk the school route several times with your child(ren) and point out potential dangers. Choose the safest route, not necessarily the shortest.

• Teach your child(ren) about road hazards.

• Set a good example, as children imitate their parents.

• Always follow the Highway Code, including speed limits, parking restrictions and seatbelt use, even on short trips.

• Make sure your child(ren) exit vehicles on the pavement side.

• Do not wait on the opposite side of the street when picking up children from school. They might cross without looking.

• Ensure children wear visible clothing, reflective armbands or vests and reflective strips on bags and coats.

• If your child(ren) cycle to school, always wear a helmet.

• If you use a bicycle trailer, make it highly visible with flags or reflective markings, especially for drivers of high vehicles or trucks.

• After using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, remember to reactivate the airbag when another passenger occupies the seat.

Advice for Children

• Walk close to houses and gardens on pavements, rather than near the edge next to the road.

• Older or more experienced children should walk on the road side of the pavement to protect younger children.

• Cross roads at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, looking both ways. If no crossing exists, stop at the kerb, look left, right and left again, then cross safely.

• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways and for parked vehicles that may obstruct your view. Stop at the kerb and ensure it is safe before stepping forward.

Advice for Drivers

Young children do not yet recognise road dangers and may feel nervous at the start of the school year.

• Pay attention and drive carefully.

• Reduce your speed near schools and signal your manoeuvres.

• Take extra care at pedestrian crossings, near schools and bus stops. Slow down when you see children and be prepared to stop at any time.

• Remember that children cannot accurately judge vehicle speed and may misinterpret hazardous situations.