Car-ban trial to promote safer school runs

Temporary road closures will be in place during school pick up and drop off outside selected schools

Five schools could soon implement traffic restrictions to help make the school run safer for pupils, parents and staff.

The Frome Safer School Streets project began on 22 April and included temporary changes to several roads in the western part of Frome, Somerset, to encourage more people to walk and cycle to school.

An 18-month trial beginning on Monday will now restrict vehicle access during pick-up and drop-off times, initially focusing on the routes to and from Otterhampton Primary School in Bridgwater- with four more being added later in the year.

It is hoped the temporary road closures will reduce traffic, improve air quality and encourage pupils to have a healthier lifestyle.

Otterhampton Primary School in Combwich is the first school in this area of Somerset to take part in the initiative

Claire Luce, executive headteacher at Otterhampton Primary School, said: “I am so excited that we are the first school in this part of Somerset to get involved in the school streets initiative.

“We are looking forward to working with our parents and the local community to make School Lane safer for our children.”

If the trial proves successful, the measures could be made permanent – with a six-month consultation being open to the public from the beginning of the trial.

New crossings and road signs are part of the road alterations, funded by the government

Somerset Council is working in collaboration with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and Sustrans on the project.

Joe Bigwood, Sustrans South’s head of behaviour change and engagement, said: “School streets provide benefits for families travelling to school, local residents and the wider community.

“They help to tackle congestion, poor air quality and road safety concerns, building confidence in families to travel actively to school.

“School Streets are a powerful way of showing what’s possible when cars are removed outside a school.

It is hoped temporarily closing the streets in Frome will reduce traffic and make school runs safer

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with SASP, helping to create a safer, greener environment for Otterhampton Primary School and are excited to see how School Lane is transformed into a walking, wheeling and cycling safe haven for all to enjoy."

School Lane will be temporarily closed to vehicles on weekdays in term time between 08:25 and 8:55 and 14:55 and 15:25.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, there will be exemptions in place for blue badge holders, emergency services and other public service vehicles.