Three primary schools in Bristol are taking steps to improve safety, reduce congestion, and improve air quality outside their gates by proposing to join the council’s School Streets programme.
Oasis Academy Bank Leaze Primary School in Lawrence Weston, Shirehampton Primary School in Shirehampton, and Headley Park Primary School in Bishopsworth are the next three schools aiming to introduce School Streets.
This initiative enables streets outside schools into priority zones for people to walk, wheel, cycle, and scoot by restricting car use at the start and end of the school day.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee, said:
I am delighted that three more schools could be joining our School Street programme, which would bring the total number in Bristol up to sixteen.
School Streets help to reduce congestion and air pollution at the school gates, while improving road safety for children and their families.
“The aim is to get more children into the routine of travelling actively, which is great for their health and wellbeing which helps them to arrive at school alert and ready for learning.
I hope everyone across these three areas support the proposals, which could transform the roads outside the schools, creating a more pleasant environment for everyone. Whatever you think please do fill out the survey, we want to hear from as many people as possible.
The proposals would mean that on the roads outside the three schools, vehicles would not be permitted to enter the zones for around 45 minutes in the morning and one-hour in the afternoon. The restrictions would not apply to emergency vehicles and Blue Badge holders. Residents within the closure zone would be able to gain access with a resident access permit.
Amelia Nelson, Headteacher of Oasis Academy Bank Leaze Primary School, said:
We think the School Street scheme will help children and families feel safer on the way in and out of school.
We are looking forward to children having the freedom to walk into school without the added stress and worry of poorly parked cars and congested traffic.
Louisa Munton, Headteacher of Shirehampton Primary School, said:
As a school we have always been committed to encouraging active travel to school with the aim of improving our children’s mental and physical health alongside reducing road danger.
Our school family are looking forward to working alongside School Streets and our local community to create a one-way system to support safer road use at school drop off and pick up times.
Being part of a solution for safer travel for children, parents and local residents is exciting and something the whole community (as well as the environment) will benefit from.
Gareth Jones, Interim Headteacher of Headley Park Primary School, said:
The School Street scheme will have an immediate and profound effect on the area around Headley Park Primary School.
Pupils and their families will be much safer as there will be a significant reduction of risk that the cars presented at the start and end of the school day.
The support of the School Street team will ensure that the implementation of the scheme is a success and the whole community will benefit from this terrific initiative.
To help inform the design of the proposed new School Streets, parents, carers, and staff, as well as residents and businesses across the three areas, are being asked for their thoughts on local traffic and parking in the area and for their opinions on the proposals.
To find out more about the proposed Bristol School Streets schemes and to fill in a short survey, please visit our consultation and engagement website. The deadline to complete the survey is 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025.
Permanent School Streets in Bristol:
- Wansdyke Primary School in Whitchurch
- St Peter’s CofE Primary School in Bishopsworth
- Redfield Educate Together Academy in Redfield
- Victoria Park Primary School in Windmill Hill
- Chester Park Junior School in Fishponds
- Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields
- Whitehall Primary School in Easton
- Cathedral Primary School and Bristol Cathedral Choir School in Hotwells
- St Bernadette Catholic Primary School in Whitchurch
- Ashley Down Primary School in Horfield
- Fair Furlong Primary School in Hartcliffe
- Ashton Gate Primary School in Southville
- St Werburgh’s Primary School in St Werburgh’s