Car ban outside schools much safer - headteacher

Headteacher Noel Fadden said more children were walking and cycling to school

Three schools in East Sussex have begun a six month trial where the road outside will have restricted access during peak school hours.

The School Streets scheme is aiming to improve safety and to encourage people to walk, cycle or scoot to school rather than drive.

Southover C of E Primary in Lewes, All Saints C of E Primary in Bexhill and Langney Primary Academy School in Eastbourne now all have restricted access during drop-off and pick-up times.

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) said the move would support healthy lifestyles among children and “help create a cleaner, more pleasant environment outside schools”.

'I worried a car might clip a child'

Headteacher Noel Fadden said: “It has made it much safer, we used to have eight cars coming down at once, now it is just the odd car.

“Previously, the cars were pushing parents, buggies and bikes to the sides, pinning them against the walls.

"Every day I was worried a car might clip a child.”

Parents at Southover C of E Primary School described the scheme as “fabulous”.

“It feels a nicer environment and I think we’re all much happier,” said Rebecca Scott.

Her daughter added: “I think it feels much safer now.”

Parent Rebecca Scott with her children outside Southover Primary School in Lewes where new road restrictions have come in

The School Streets scheme follows successful trials of temporary measures at the three schools in 2021 during the pandemic.

ESCC said it would look to make restrictions permanent after the trial ends in March if the scheme works effectively.

Residents, or those who need access, can still use the road during school hours.

Signs have been installed at the end of the road to show drivers the restriction time.

Southover Primary has restrictions between 08:20 BST and 08:50, as well as 15:00 and 15:30.

The narrow road which leads to Southover Primary School in Lewes

Another parent, Olga Roberts, said: “It makes the experience of bringing your child to school so much more pleasant, relaxed and healthy."

Carolyn Sparks added: "The road is very narrow, so once cars come along, you can’t really get through.”

The restrictions are in place from 08:15 to 08:45 and 14:45 to 15:30 at Langney Primary.

At All Saints Primary, the restricted times are 08:15 to 09:00 and 14:45 to 16:15.