We have two more schools joining the national School Streets scheme which aims to provide a healthier and safer environment for all by encouraging active travel to school.
School Streets are being launched for King’s Oak Academy on Brook Road in Kingswood, and on Kelston Close in Yate for Abbotswood Primary School, from Thursday 3 September.
Roads outside the school entrances will be closed to traffic at peak drop-off and pick-up times, Monday to Friday, during term time. For King’s Oak Academy, Brook Road will be closed to all traffic from 8.25 to 8.50am and from 3.00 to 3.30pm. For Abbotswood Primary School, a section of Kelston Close will be closed from 8.30 to 9.00am and from 2.45 to 3.30pm.
Cones and signs will be put out to remind motorists about the measures and to mark out the pedestrian and cycle zones before telescopic bollards are installed in the future.
Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained, but motorists will be asked to avoid entering and leaving the areas during these times in the morning and afternoon on each school day.
School Streets is part of a national campaign which addresses concerns affecting schools such as reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, general road safety outside schools, as well as encouraging active travel to and from school, in support of healthier lifestyles for families. We have consulted with residents who are directly affected by the School Street schemes, informing them that the scheme will be implemented on a trial basis which we will be continuously monitor and review.
Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Strategic Environment, Cllr Steve Reade said: “Improving school standards is the Council’s number one priority and with more children and families choosing sustainable ways to get to school, and to literally help clear the air at pick up and drop off times, we know this will help students achieve their best.
“We are hoping that, like the scheme at Frampton Cotterell that launched in the last school year which was well received by many parents and the school, these two new trial schemes will deliver similar benefits in encouraging active travel to school, helping children and the local community stay safe.
“We are interested in working with any schools who want to promote more active travel for their pupils as it helps improve health and wellbeing through the exercise as well as helping to reduce emissions where car journeys can be avoided.”
Head of School at Abbotswood Primary School, Sarah Willoughby, said: “We want our pupils to have the best start to their day and through the School Streets scheme we hope to encourage more families to get a little exercise at drop-off and pick-up times to help their health and their environment. Fewer car journeys and vehicles close to the school will also make those journeys safer and more healthy.”
This scheme is one of many we are delivering to help people to travel safely to work and school. The funding for this work comes from central Government through the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Further information is available on our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/making-public-places-safer
