Two more Plymouth schools join traffic restriction trial

The schools in Plymouth will be part of the trial for up to 18 months

Two more schools in Plymouth have joined a trial of traffic restrictions during drop-off and pick-up times.

St Paul's Catholic Primary School and Compton Church of England Primary School in the city will trial the restrictions on a long-term basis.

Stuart Road Primary School was the first to launch an extended trial in September.

The Safer School Streets pilot was organised by Plymouth City Council, in partnership with charity Sustrans.

The trial for the two schools began on Monday and will take place on weekdays for up to 18 months.

The roads outside St Paul's Primary School will be closed from 08:15 to 09:00 GMT and from 14:30 to 15:30.

At Compton Primary School the road will be closed from 08:15 to 09:15 and 14:45 and 15:45.

'Safer and healthier'

The local authority said its aim was to improve safety for road users and make it easier for families to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

John Stephens is the Labour councillor for Plymstock Dunstone and the council's new walking and cycling champion.

He said: "We work hard to encourage families to leave the car at home for school journeys wherever possible and promote active travel, including schemes like 'park and stride' and walking buses."

He added: "As well as reducing congestion and improving air quality around the school gates, they help to tackle some of the inconsiderate and irresponsible parking experienced by neighbours and, most importantly, make journeys safer and healthier for everyone."

Finola Gill, executive head at St Paul's, said: "We are delighted to be part of the Safer School Streets scheme so that we can make some positive changes to how our children travel to school - keeping them safer and providing an opportunity for a healthy, active start to the day."

Access is still available for residents and businesses, parents and children with disabilities, the emergency services, deliveries and other service vehicles.