A new scheme to improve children’s safety and encourage more walking and cycling to and from school is being trialled in Staffordshire.
Staffordshire County Council’s School Streets scheme aims to reduce traffic and congestion outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times, providing safer and healthier spaces for children, residents and school staff.
The initiative involves the temporary closure of certain streets outside schools for less than an hour in the morning and in the afternoon. Signs are in place to advise when the scheme is in effect and residents living on the street, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles are still able to access the streets.
Trials have already taken place at three schools including Burton Fields Primary in Burton, Horninglow Primary also in Burton and St Thomas’ Primary in Kidsgrove.
Kerryanne Buggy, vice principal at St Thomas’ Primary in Kidsgrove, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting this initiative to help keep our children and families safe on the way to and from school.
“We’re really grateful to the council, our parents, the wider local community and residents for their support in backing the scheme.”
Highways officers are now evaluating the results of the initial trials. Should they prove successful, the council will look to identify potential future School Street locations.
Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Our School Street campaign will go a long way in keeping children safe on their way to and from school.
“Traffic outside schools, particularly in the morning and afternoon, can be extremely busy and sometimes dangerous with speeding vehicles, inconsiderate parking and idling cars. But if we can make things safer and more enjoyable, I’m sure we can get more families walking and cycling, which are great ways of keeping fit and active.
“We’re grateful to the schools who have helped in trialling the scheme and are looking forward to seeing the results and feedback from parents and residents alike.”
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