A School Streets pilot scheme has been launched today, 24 February, at two Bristol primary schools.
Wansdyke Primary School in Whitchurch and St Peter’s C of E Primary School in Bishopsworth are the first two schools to take part in the Bristol School Streets pilot scheme. The pilot scheme will come into operation from Monday 24 February 2020 for 18 months.
School Streets aims to make roads directly outside of schools safer, by turning them into pedestrian and cyclist priority zones directly before and after the school day.
School Close, outside of Wansdyke Primary School, Whitchurch AND Ellfield Close, outside of St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Bishopsworth will be temporarily closed on weekdays during term time between 08:30 – 09:15 and 14:45 – 15:30.
Residents living within the new school street zones have been issued with permits, allowing them to continue to enter and leave the zone freely. Emergency services and Blue Badge holders are also exempt and have normal access.
The school street scheme follows Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol’s Clean Air Day Speech, which sets out the council’s commitment to encourage more active travel and achieve cleaner air for Bristol.
“School Streets has the potential to transform the school run for children and their families, creating a safer space for more pupils to enjoy a less stressful, healthier journey by walking, cycling or scooting.
We have already received encouraging feedback from schools, parents and pupils, and will continue to involve local residents and the wider community in developing this scheme.
Removing cars and other motorists from the immediate area outside of schools is also a step in the right direction for addressing the wider issues of congestion and poor air quality outside of the school gates.
We hope that our work with Wansdyke and St Peter’s will inform roll out at other schools across the city in the future.”
The two schools were shortlisted because of their levels of participation in other active travel and road safety initiatives, such as Modeshift STARS, road safety training and the Living Streets’ WOW Walk to School Challenge.
The council will continue to work with both Wansdyke and St Peter’s to monitor the scheme over the coming months.