‘School street’ will see timed closures
A new ‘school street’ has been set up on St Adrians Close in Maidenhead – the first of its kind in the Borough.
A school street is a timed road closure at the beginning and end of the school day, enforced by temporary physical barriers.
This temporary restriction directly outside a school is intended to aid safe entry and exit for pupils and their guardians.
School streets are also hoped to encourage healthier lifestyles and tackle congested streets.
St Adrians Close will operate as a school street on weekdays during term time between 8.309.10am and 2.45-3.45pm. It does not operate during school holidays or weekends.
The community is asked to walk, scoot or cycle to school wherever possible.
If using a vehicle for pick up or drop off is necessary, drivers are asked to park away from the school and walk the last few minutes.
It is an offence to park on the School Keep Clear (yellow zig zags) markings during the restricted period.
RBWM also asks that vehicles are not parked obstructing the zebra crossing on Wessex Way – this includes the white zig zags to allow for safe pedestrian crossing.
All emergency vehicles have access at all times – and the school street aids easy access. Blue badge holders will be able to enter the school street zone any time.
For residents of the street, stewards will be able to let people in or out as needed.
However, RBWM asks that wherever possible, these residents avoid using their cars while the school street is operating and to schedule deliveries outside of these times.
This school street is a trial which began on Monday (April 15). It is temporary, to assess the impact of the school street. The council will be collecting feedback during and after the trial.
You can fill out a short survey at: tinyurl.com/2w2d3u62 St Adrians Close is home to Wessex Primary School. Its headteacher, Tim Beavan, said:
“We are delighted to be chosen as the first school in the Borough to have a School Street trial.
“Traffic and parking around the school has long caused safety concerns for children coming to school and also for our neighbours.
“Having children walking, scooting or cycling to school ensures that they are active in the mornings and able to benefit from fresh air, which ultimately will lead to a healthier and happier school community.”
Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
“School Streets have launched in neighbouring boroughs and in other parts of the country where they’ve been proven to tackle congestion, poor air quality, and encourage children to walk or cycle wherever possible.
“We invited all schools across the Royal Borough to trial the scheme before carrying out feasibility studies on those that said yes.
“St Adrians Close fits the bill for our first trial as it’s a culde-sac which causes particular road safety concerns which the
school and residents alike are keen to solve.
“Depending on the results of this trial, other School Streets may be introduced across the borough.”
RBWM is looking for volunteers to help steward the school streets. All training will be provided.
The council believes that with enough volunteers, each person will only need to steward one session a week.
If interested in volunteering, email schoolstreets@rbwm.gov.uk