Authorities advising on establishing Pedestrian Zones in Schools
In England, School Street schemes are being hailed as an effective solution to reduce congestion and improve road safety during school run times. The Department for Transport and Active Travel England have published guidance to help local authorities set up and manage these schemes.
The guidance covers various aspects, from the process of implementation and enforcement to responsibilities after the launch of a School Street scheme. Over 180 school streets in England have already benefited from the Active Travel Fund.
School Streets are defined as roads outside schools with traffic restrictions during the start and end of the school day. The aim is to design a scheme layout that maximizes the effectiveness of a School Street while minimizing undesirable impacts.
The objectives and benefits of School Street schemes are clear. They aim to improve road safety for children by restricting motor traffic directly outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times. By reducing congestion and air pollution around school gates, these schemes create a more pleasant and healthier environment. Moreover, they encourage active travel such as walking, cycling, or scooting to school, promoting physical and mental health and fostering lifelong healthy travel habits.
Operational arrangements for School Street schemes typically involve temporary traffic restrictions that apply during school term times, usually at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. Only pedestrians, cyclists, and exempt vehicles (e.g., residents, blue badge holders, emergency services) are allowed access during restriction periods. Clear signage with flashing lights indicates when the scheme is active.
Implementation and enforcement are crucial to ensure compliance and deliver intended benefits. Physical barriers may be used and operated by school staff, volunteers, or through automated means such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. The approximate cost to implement a School Street scheme ranges around £85,000 to £100,000, covering equipment, consultation, traffic management orders (TMOs), and staff time.
Community and stakeholder engagement is vital for the success of School Street schemes. Successful schemes require consultation and cooperation among schools, parents, residents, local authorities, and other stakeholders. Addressing concerns and gaining support is critical. Local feedback can identify specific traffic and safety issues, enabling a tailored approach to each school's context.
School Street schemes operate under Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) that legally enforce restrictions during operational hours. Local authorities have a statutory duty to promote sustainable travel and can use these schemes to fulfill those responsibilities.
Ongoing monitoring of traffic patterns, safety impacts, and community feedback ensures the scheme’s effectiveness and provides data to justify continuation or expansion. Adjustments in timing, signage, and enforcement can be made based on observed outcomes.
Rachel Toms, Director of Urbanism at active travel charity Sustrans, supports the guidance for setting up School Streets, stating they are one of the top ways to make active travel to and from school safer. She suggests that by traveling actively to school, children may be more alert and engaged in class, healthier, and enjoy spending quality time with their friends and family.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman also supports the implementation of School Street schemes, stating they offer children the opportunity to engage in fresh air and exercise during their school day, promoting healthy travel habits.
Sustrans has been working towards making the school run easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable for millions of children across the UK. They look forward to working with councils to realize their ambitions around making it easier to walk, wheel, and cycle to school. The full guidance, along with relevant case studies, can be accessed online.
In conclusion, School Street schemes are a promising solution to reduce congestion and improve air quality around schools while promoting active travel. With clear objectives, structured traffic restrictions, community engagement, legal authority, financial investment, and continuous review, these schemes offer a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable school run for children across England.
The guidance for School Street schemes encourages local communities to work together, fostering a collaborative neighborhood that values the promotion of active travel and healthy lifestyles. (community, education-and-self-development, lifestyle, home-and-garden)
By implementing School Street schemes, beyond enhancing road safety for children and reducing congestion, there is an opportunity to instill a culture of active transportation, supporting a healthier way of life and fostering positive lifestyle habits within the community. (education-and-self-development, lifestyle, home-and-garden)
