Two more Plymouth schools have started an extended trial of traffic restrictions during morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up times, following a successful one-day pilot.
The ‘Safer School Streets’ pilot, organised by the Council in partnership with Sustrans in 2021, saw roads outside six primary schools closed to school-run and through traffic during these peak times.
The measures – which aim to improve safety for all road users, make it easier for families to walk, cycle or scoot to school and create a healthier street environment with cleaner air – were widely welcomed by parents and local residents.
St Paul’s RC Primary (who took part in the 2021 pilot) and Compton CofE Primary are the second and third schools in the city to trial the restrictions on a longer-term basis, with Stuart Road being the first to launch an extended trial last September.
Councillor John Stephens, our walking and cycling champion, said: “We work hard to encourage families to leave the car at home for school journeys wherever possible and promote active travel, including schemes like ‘park and stride’ and walking buses.
“It’s great to see another two local schools introducing Safer School Streets measures, which have so many benefits, not just for pupils, parents, staff and nearby residents but for the wider community as a whole.
“As well as reducing congestion and improving air quality around the school gates, they help to tackle some of the inconsiderate and irresponsible parking experienced by neighbours and, most importantly, make journeys safer and healthier for everyone.”
Finola Gill, executive head at St Paul’s said: “Road safety at St Paul’s has always been a concern and parents back in 1991 campaigned for safer streets for their children. We are delighted to be part of the Safer School Streets scheme so that we can make some positive changes to how our children travel to school – keeping them safer and providing an opportunity for a healthy, active start to the day.”
The extended trial at St Paul’s and Compton began this morning (Monday 29 January). Every weekday during term time, roads outside each school are being closed with temporary barriers during their morning and afternoon school run times.
- St Paul’s (Barne Lane): 8.15am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm
- Compton (Pearn Road and Pearn Gardens): 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm
Volunteers and members of staff are stewarding the closed sections of road and access is being maintained for local residents and businesses, parents and children with disabilities, the emergency services, deliveries and other service vehicles.
The arrangements have been agreed for up to 18 months under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, advertised in the local press and on street. Signs have also been placed on street to advise road users of the closure times.
Families are being encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school or, if they really need to drive, to park and stride – where they park a five or 10-minute walk from the school and go the rest of the way by foot.
