Children, parents and residents near St Jude’s School in Old Portsmouth have benefited from safer journeys to and from school, a year after the School Street in the area was started.
Since its inception, the initiative has led to a remarkable 64% reduction in car traffic near the school in the first six months, the number of people walking has increased by 47%, and the number of cyclists on the road has doubled. These statistics show that more people are choosing safer, healthier, and greener ways for the last part of their journey to school.
Portsmouth City Council launched the St Jude’s School Street in late February 2024, marking a significant milestone in creating a safer and healthier environment for people taking their children to school and the local community.
During School Street operating hours, the road is dedicated to people walking, cycling and scooting by restricting access to non-essential motor vehicles during drop-off and pick-up times. Over the past year, the St Jude’s School Street has seen most children walking and scooting to and from school, with free parking spaces available five minutes away from the school gate for those who need to park and make the last part of the journey on bikes, scooters or on foot.
Thanks to various funding streams, the council has also made several improvements to the area around the school, including a new raised table zebra crossing on the High Street to make it safer for people to cross the road.
Parents cycling to school are now able to securely park their bikes thanks to three new bike stands and cycling charity Sustrans have offered free ‘Bike Doctor’ sessions for children and staff to ensure that bikes are in good working order as well as lessons on active travel and road safety.
Additionally, zigzag markings and railings outside the school have been refreshed to provide a safer environment for children and younger siblings, thanks to Colas as part of their social value commitment, and a new painted play area provides fun activities for children waiting to enter school.
The school has also extended gate opening times to twenty minutes around drop-off and pick-up times, giving parents more flexibility to get their children to school on time.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, Portsmouth City Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see the St Jude’s School Street making a positive impact on children, parents and carers. By making it easier for people to make walking, cycling or scooting part of the school run instead of using private cars, we can make journeys to and from school safer, healthier, and more sustainable, and this also benefits all other road users by reducing traffic at peak times.”
PIC-Portsmouth CC
