Five more schools in Birmingham will benefit from School Streets next month.
The aim is to make it easier and safer for children to commute to school sustainably by protecting children from road accidents and pollution. Prior to making a Car-Free School Street permanent, The Active Wellbeing Society holds a day’s active travel closure on each street, in preparation, reports Air Quality News.
An active street day occurred earlier last month (February 11) at Colmore Road, outside the Colmore Junior and Infant School in King’s Heath.
A section of Colmore Street was reclaimed from 13:00 – 16:15, to help engage parents, residents, and the school, ahead of its long-term closure.
Five more Car Free School Streets are preparing to join the 12 already active in Birmingham, at the following schools.
- Brownmead Academy – Shard End
- Colmore Junior and Infant School – Kings Heath
- Court Farm Primary School – Perry Common
- St Dunstan’s Catholic School – Brandwood and Kings Heath
- Nansen Primary School – Alum Rock
Birmingham City Council’s Travel Demand Manager, Peter Edwards said: ‘The continued expansion of car-free school streets, across Birmingham is particularly beneficial to children. I wholeheartedly support this development because it provides both immediate physical protection from motorised vehicles while also contributing to reducing pollution. I am delighted to see Car Free School Streets gaining momentum throughout the city.’
A fixed penalty notice, with a £50.00 charge, may be issued by a police officer to anyone else who drives in a School Street, during the restricted times. However, permits are issued to those residents whose access is affected by the road closure. Blue badge holders, emergency services, and health visitors will be exempt.
