AN initiative to restrict traffic and parking in small roads immediately outside schools is to be trialled in 2022.
BCP Council is planning to operate a series of School Street pilot schemes outside four suitable locations early next year.
School Streets involve temporarily restricting through traffic and parking on small roads immediately outside of schools during drop-off and pick-up times only.
The authority hopes this will create a “safer and healthier” environment for young people to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to their school gates.
Residents and businesses in each area will have the opportunity to provide feedback on their pilot scheme in early 2022. Parents and carers will also be able to share their views before experiencing a School Street first-hand.
The four schools participating in the pilot scheme have been selected specifically to ensure there is minimal impact on the wider network. These are:
- St Michael’s CE Primary School, Bournemouth
- St Clement’s & St John’s CE Infant School, Bournemouth
- Hamworthy Park Junior School, Poole
- Livingstone Road Infant School, Poole
Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “During these pilots, we will be giving everyone living and working in the four areas the opportunity to share feedback on their local scheme.
“We have already begun some initial engagement with residents, parents and businesses. This is an exciting new initiative, and we look forward to launching the formal consultation and implementation process from January.”
Head Teacher of St Michael’s Primary School Anthony Evans said: “We want our children and their families to enjoy a healthier, safer and more active school commute. We are therefore delighted to be one of the first local schools to be taking part in a pilot scheme.
“If successful, this could enable more School Streets to be rolled out across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the future.”
Similar schemes have already been adopted by other authorities across the country.
Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/SchoolStreets for more information.
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