‘School Streets’ pilot project means car-free roads outside three Solihull schools

Solihull Council is introducing a pilot project which aims to promote sustainable, healthy travel for school children and address safety and pollution around school gates at the beginning and end of the school day.

‘School Streets’ will limit traffic in a number of roads surrounding three schools at key times.

This means that most vehicles, including those driven by parents or carers, will not be able to drive into the roads covered by the restrictions to drop off or pick up children.

The schools taking part in the pilot are Haslucks Green Junior School, Marston Green Infant Academy and Oak Cottage Primary School – which have all experienced road safety and inconsiderate parking issues.

The scheme will start on Monday 4th September and run for an initial trial period of up to 18 months.

Over the first six months the Council will take feedback and make changes if necessary.

After the trial period the project will be evaluated and the scheme will be made permanent, modified or withdrawn.

Some vehicles, such as the emergency services, will be exempt from the scheme, whilst residents in the streets affected will be issued with permits.

A new permanent 20mph speed limit for all traffic will also be introduced, and the scheme will be enforced under West Midlands Police traffic enforcement powers.

Councillor Ted Richards OBE, Cabinet Member for Transport & Highways, said:: “We know that most people do drive responsibly, but it can often be chaotic outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times.

“The aim of School Streets is to create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone around schools. An added bonus will be the healthier and more active lifestyle it will prompt, with more pupils walking, cycling and scooting to school.

“The scheme has already been adopted in Edinburgh with early positive feedback, so we hope it will bring similar benefits to Solihull.”

For further information about the Solihull School Streets pilot: www.solihull.gov.uk/schoolstreets. Feedback can be provided by email to schoolstreets@solihull.gov.uk

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1836/School-Streets-pilot-means-‘car-free-streets’-outside-three-Solihull-schools