Traffic measures at five Oxfordshire schools given go-ahead

Roads outside the schools would be shut during drop-off and pick-up times on weekdays during term-time

A trial of traffic restrictions outside five schools in Oxfordshire has been approved by the county council.

The School Streets initiative sees roads closed at drop-off and pick-up times.

Four schools in Oxford and one in Didcot will adopt the scheme, following a decision by Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport at a meeting on Thursday.

The restrictions will last for 18 months from early April.

The five new schools are:

• St Mary and St John Church of England Primary School, Oxford

• Sandhills Community Primary School, Oxford

• Tyndale Community School, Oxford

• Manor Primary School, Didcot

• New Hinksey Church of England Primary School, Oxford

The council said a further review into whether the scheme at New Hinksey Primary needs to be expanded to other streets, to stop traffic and parking problems being moved elsewhere, would also take place.

Manor School in Didcot will now be part of the School Streets initiative

Finley, a year three student at Manor Primary School, told the meeting that the current situation outside of the school was "really dangerous", adding: "Little children may not hear a car and they could be hurt."

He encouraged peers to choose a healthier method to get to school, such as walking or scootering.

Amelie, who is also in year 3 at the Didcot school, said: "When we are riding our bike to school, we have to wait for the cars, which is such a faff."

Year three students Finley and Amelie described the current situation outside of Manor School at the meeting

Trained volunteers from the school and local community will help run the daily operation.

Three other schools in Oxford and one in Abingdon are currently running a school street scheme.

The council said there would be further public consultation on whether the Schools Streets become permanent following the trial.

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