‘SAFER and calmer’ – that is the verdict on the transformation of streets outside a Rugby primary school due to a new traffic restriction scheme.
The trial of Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) School Streets scheme at Eastlands Primary School, which began in November, has been hailed a success in making roads safer during busy drop-off and collection times.
Under the scheme, Lansdowne Place – the road leading to the school – closes to all non-residential traffic on term-time weekdays from 8.15-9.15am and 2.30-3.30pm.
The traffic regulation order can be enforced by police – with motorists who break the rules fined up to £70.
The School Street zone, the first to be implemented in Warwickshire, aims to reduce congestion and the risk of collisions, improve traffic flow, make it safer for children to cross the road, allow residents to drive in and out of their street more easily, encourage families to walk, scoot or cycle to school, and improve air quality near the school.
Eastlands Primary Head Teacher Suki Edwards said: “School Streets has transformed the area immediately around the school gates at the start and end of each school day.
“We are seeing children now walking the last five or ten minutes to school each morning which sets them up for the day.
“As there is no congestion, we clearly have improved safety for all children, families and neighbours. In time, we hope to see further improvement in air quality.
“I have had many parents share how pleased they are with the project and its impact on safety around the school gate at the busiest times.”
A WCC spokesman said the council was delighted with the response from residents and the school community.
They added: “At drop off and pick up, Lansdowne Place has been transformed from a car dominated space to a far safer and calmer environment with more parents and children using active travel – walking, cycling and scooting – for their journey to school.”
The council’s transport spokesman Coun Jan Matecki said: “The School Streets pilot is such a simple concept that is already delivering a wide range of important benefits to the school community, local residents and the wider environment.
“I would like to thank Mrs Edwards at Eastlands Primary School for agreeing to take part in Warwickshire’s very first School Streets Scheme and the whole community who have made this pilot scheme a success so far.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolstreets for more information on the scheme.
