Drop-off plan to cut school traffic chaos

SCHOOL run chaos at Birmingham’s largest school could be cut if plans for a new US-style bus and car drop off zone are approved.

The proposals for Great Barr Academy would allow vehicles to turn off the main road and drop their child in a lay-by before carrying on.

It is a system widely used in American towns where few children walk to school.

The school, which has more than 1,800 pupils, is on the busy Aldridge Road which is a major route with buses and commuters.

The road is frequently blocked as cars cut across oncoming traffic or turn in the road.

Councillor Keith Linnecor said: “It’s one of the largest schools in the country, with about half-adozen other schools nearby. It’s almost gridlock for an hour every day. Something needs to be done and while this won’t be the magic wand to make the problem go completely away, it should help.”

The school has submitted plans to turn its large grassed front forecourt into a drop-of area. It features separate lanes for cars and buses – the bus lane would have a wider turning area.

Cllr Linnecor added that the school was also considering running a bus to ferry the large number of pupils from the Perry Barr area to offer a further alternative to the car.

As a planning committee member, he has been an outspoken critic of transport and education bosses over the failure to sort out parking chaos by schools.