Surrey's first School Street scheme to launch

Bullers Road will only be open to pedestrians, cyclists and wheelers during certain times in school term time

Surrey's first school street scheme will launch at a secondary school in Farnham this week.

Car access will be restricted around Farnham Heath End School during the busiest times of the day in a bid to reduce air pollution and improve road safety.

Nearby Bullers Road will be open to pedestrians, cyclists and wheelers only between 08:00-09:00 and 14:15-15:30 BST in school term time, with exemptions available for residents, carers, school transport, and blue badge holders.

Surrey County Council is introducing this scheme as part of a £3m investment in improving road safety near schools across the county.

Residents of Bullers Road had previously raised concerns about road safety during peak school times

Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said: "This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve road safety, promote more sustainable school travel and reduce air pollution around schools.

"We hope this will be the first of many School Streets across Surrey."

For those that need to drive, parking has been made available at a nearby rugby club on Monkton Lane so that children can walk or scoot the final 10 minutes to the school.

A new signalised crossing and footway has been installed to make this walking route safer and easier, said a council spokesperson.

Further schemes are proposed for roads near Potters Gate Primary School in Farnham and Danetree Primary School in Ewell.