As part of our commitment to the environment we are very keen to promote sustainable travel to and from the school site. Mangrove Road is narrow and prone to becoming congested at peak times, which contributes to both environmental and safety issues.
This #WakeUpWednesday safety-on-the-road guide contains some excellent advice and reminders for students, and is particularly relevant to the those younger ones getting to ready to start walking on their own.
In order to keep our students safe, the car park gates are closed from 0810 until 1545. Students should not be dropped off or picked up from the school site at the start and end of the day. Please do not drop students off in Mangrove Road or attempt to turn around in the entrance to the school: this puts our students in danger and prevents access to the school site. Please do not block driveways, damage verges or ignore traffic signage in the surrounding streets. If dropping students in a nearby road, please do so in a safe location. Highway Code sections 204-213 (Road users requiring extra care) and sections 238-252 (waiting and parking) are particularly relevant around schools. We suggest making use of an alternative, safer, drop-off and pick-up location, such as our Park & Stride site at the Old London Road car park (see below).
Access to the car park between 0810 and 1545 will be restricted to staff, visitors and those granted a special access pass. These are generally allocated to students with a blue badge, Primary parents with a blue badge, or students with short term mobility issues. For those with access to the car park, we ask that you adhere to our anti-idling policy: please switch off engines while waiting.
Before 0810 parents may drive through the car park and drop students off, but we operate a no waiting policy at this time. Space in the car park is limited and is reserved for staff working on site.
Please note that there is no parking on site for sixth form students.
Mangrove Road is narrow, easily congested and lacks suitable places to park whilst dropping off or collecting students. Our designated ‘Park & Stride’ site is the Old London Road car park (11 minute walk) where there is sufficient space to allow safe pick up and drop off.
By avoiding driving along Mangrove Road you will be helping to reduce traffic congestion, improving air quality and making the road safer for students leaving the site on foot or by bike/scooter.
For those younger students that need escorting up the hill you can apply for a permit that allows you to park for longer in the mornings and afternoons (at no charge). Please speak to Mrs Harding in the Larch office for more details.
This link takes you to the Hertfordshire County Council website where you can find information about bus timetables and the SaverCard scheme.
Hertfordshire home to school transport
Simon Balle All-through School is well served by public transport. Use these links to find out more about bus and train travel in the local area. Remember to factor in walking time between the stop/station and school when planning your journey by public transport. Please be aware that Simon Balle School is not responsible for the content of external websites. If you have questions regarding public transport, you are advised to speak directly to the operating companies.
Passenger transport information for Hertfordshire
Details of the Hertfordshire SaverCard
Details of Arriva bus services, including a journey planner and information about fares.
Arriva Monthly ticket These tickets provide a cost-effective and flexible way of paying for unlimited travel. Parent, Carers and Guardians can contact their dedicated student mailbox talktous@arriva.co.uk with any questions they may have.
Hertford East Train Station (Greater Anglia)
Hertford North Train Station (Great Northern)
Information about rail travel for under 16s and railcards available for students aged 16-18 years old.