Streets ahead Two schools trial ban on driving up to gates
PARENTS will be banned from driving up to the gates of two primary schools during peak hours in a pilot scheme next month.
Pedestrians, cyclists or those on scooters will take priority over motorists for pick up and drop off at Warden Hill Primary School, Cheltenham, and Tewkesbury CE Primary School.
The temporary move will affect Durham Close in Cheltenham and Rope Walk in Tewkesbury.
Kingsholm CE Primary School was initially going to take part in the trial scheme, but Gloucestershire County Council said has asked for it to be delayed there until next year.
The scheme, known as ‘School Streets,’ will start in the week commencing November 2 when pupils return from the October half term, and aims to crackdown on air pollution and make extra space for social distancing.
The School Streets will only be open to pedestrians, cyclists and those with exemptions, including emergency vehicles, Blue Badge holders and residents, from 8.15-9.15am and 2.303.30pm Monday to Friday.
The trial will last between 12 to 17 months, during which time a decision will be made whether or not to make it permanent, and six-monthly reviews will be held. It was supposed to start in September but was postponed to after half term.
Gloucestershire County Councillor Nigel Moor (C, Stow-on-the-wold), cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We’re always keen to make school travel safer and easier and that’s why we’re looking carefully at school streets schemes.
“They have the potential to improve air quality and cut congestion - but we need to see how they work in practice.
“They will also create more space outside the schools so people can keep to social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“We will regularly review the trial so I would encourage people to complete the survey after the scheme has launched so we can get your feedback.”
the county council’s cabinet agreed to the trial in July andapproved a budget of £100,000 to support traffic regulation orders, signage, lines, equipment and monitoring for the scheme.
The proposal was put forward by opposition Liberal Democrat councillor Iain Dobie, who put on an unofficial trial scheme before the Summer break earlier this year.
Mr Dobie (Warden Hill and Leckhampton) said: “It’s been an extraordinarily long journey to get here; however, after more than 18 months of campaigning and lobbying by myself and other Lib Dem colleagues, I am delighted that the two trial schemes are finally becoming a reality.
“I have no doubt that the trials will prove a huge success and I look forward to campaigning for the widespread adoption at any suitable site in Gloucestershire to keep all children safe on their way to school.”
The trial will launch at Tewkesbury Primary School on November 2, while it will start at Warden Hill Primary School on November 3.
Each of the schools has also been provided with a set of ‘Parking Buddies’ - a trial road safety scheme funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The project is part of the PCC’S Safe and Social Roads priority and sees schools given cartoon-style metal cutouts of mini police officers, each holding up a different road safety message on a lollypop sign.