Every morning and afternoon, many primary schools in the Netherlands experience heavy traffic congestion. According to the Flitspeiling Veilige Schoolomgeving (Survey about Safe School Environments, October 2025), published yesterday by Veilig Verkeer Nederland, only 42 percent of parents of primary school children perceive the area around the school as safe. Parents mainly call for lower speeds, less car traffic, and stricter enforcement during drop-off and pick-up times (n=612). CarProf and POL Heteren have joined forces with a creative drawing contest. Last week, three winners saw their self-designed traffic signs produced and took them back to their schools.
CarProf is a nationwide garage chain committed to vehicle safety with professional service in their workshops. Following recent research by Veilig Verkeer Nederland, CarProf organized this drawing contest in their Kids Activity Book. Children from across the country could design their own traffic signs. From all the entries, three winners were invited to POL Heteren to follow the production process of their designs. Afterward, they received their own signs as a tangible contribution to traffic safety at schools.
Ardjan van der Blonk, Director of POL Heteren, explains: “We produce traffic materials such as signs, warning beacons, and signaling devices so that everyone can travel safely — especially in school environments.”
This initiative aligns with the wishes of parents and local residents for reduced car traffic near schools. The research shows that speed, congestion, and the presence of various (unsafe) vehicles are their greatest concerns. Suggestions for increased safety include promoting bicycle use and improving enforcement.
CarProf, Veilig Verkeer Nederland, and POL Heteren hope that this combination of research and practical involvement will raise awareness among children and parents about the importance of safe traffic behavior near schools.
Elina Schäfer from CarProf states: “Our automotive companies strive not only for technically safe cars but also engage in social responsibility. Together, we work on initiatives to enhance traffic safety in the Netherlands.”
