Some streets surrounding schools could be closed temporarily as part of a new scheme to improve children’s safety and encourage more walking and cycling during the school run.
Staffordshire County Council’s new School Streets scheme aims to reduce traffic and congestion outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times, providing safer and healthier spaces for children, residents and school staff.
Some streets could be closed temporarily for less than an hour in the morning and in the afternoon.
Signs would be in place to advise when the scheme is in effect and residents living on the street, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles will still be able to access the streets.
Trials took place at three schools in Staffordshire, including St Thomas’ Primary in Kidsgrove.
Kerryanne Buggy, vice principal, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting this initiative to help keep our children and families safe on the way to and from school.
“We’re really grateful to the council, our parents, the wider local community and residents for their support in backing the scheme.”
Highways officers are now evaluating the results of the trials. Should they prove successful, the council will look to identify potential future School Street locations.
County Coun Andrew Mynors, Cabinet member for community safety at the county council, said: “Our School Street campaign will go a long way in keeping children safe on their way to and from school.
“Traffic outside schools, particularly in the morning and afternoon, can be extremely busy and sometimes dangerous with speeding vehicles, inconsiderate parking and idling cars. However, if we can make things safer and more enjoyable, I’m sure we can get more families walking and cycling, which are great ways of keeping fit and active.”
People can find out more about School Streets and have their say on the council’s “Let’s Talk Transport” webpage.
