In August 2023, the road outside School no. 12 in Sumgayit City in Azerbaijan was transformed into a new ‘Safe School Zone’ with reduced speed limits, high-profile ‘School Zone’ signage, a newly painted zebra crossing, and a new LED signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. Additional upgrades in 2024 and 2025 have seen the school zone become a model of best practice for Azerbaijan.

The work was carried out by the National Automobile Club of Azerbaijan (AMAK) in partnership with the State Traffic Police Department, the Sumgait City Executive Power, and Absheron-Khizi Regional Education Office with support from the Safer Roads Foundation and the FIA Foundation.

Prior to the upgrades, the school had been identified by local traffic police as extremely high risk with 18 serious crashes being recorded in the vicinity of the school in the last three years – accounting for four deaths and 14 serious injuries.

Despite there being a zebra crossing in front of the school, vehicles were travelling at high speeds and, according to the school’s Director, “few stopped to allow pedestrians to cross”. There was also a significant problem with parking on both sides of the road blocking visibility of those using the crossing.

With over 2000 pupils using this crossing every day, the new crossing and reduced speed limit, which after an initial reduction from 60km/h to 40km/h, is now 30km/h, has had a huge impact. Students, teachers and parents no longer have to run across the road and dodge fast moving traffic. They are able to cross safely and comfortably.

We are proud to say that there have been no injuries or deaths since the crossing was installed (as of March 2025).