A school in Timperley has become the seventh in Trafford to have a School Street, restricting motor traffic at drop off and pick up times.
The Willows Primary School is now closing Victoria Road on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with parents, carers and other volunteers setting up barriers to vehicles and signage.
Nearly 3,000 pupils in Trafford are now benefiting from a safer environment outside their school gates – and many families have switched to walking or cycling to school too. Latest figures are released during Road Safety Week from 16 to 22 November.
At Tyntesfield Primary School in Sale, for example, the number of pupils travelling actively has increased from 34% to 81% since their School Street was established.
Temporary restrictions to both school traffic and through traffic at drop off and pick up times is designed to help reduce congestion and pollution in and around schools.
School Streets also encourage walking, wheeling and cycling, which can help to improve physical and mental health for parents and children. The result is a safer, healthier, and better environment for everyone.
Mrs Rachel Mitchell, School Eco-Lead and Teacher at The Willows said:
“We are really excited to become the latest school in Trafford to take up the challenge of establishing a school street. Our pupils were very keen to do it and already we are seeing the benefits. The traffic-free space around the school at key times is creating a much nicer, safer environment to start and end the school day in.”
Any Trafford school can ask to be considered for the scheme, which is run by Trafford Council, Trafford Community Collective and One Trafford partnership, with funding from TfGM. When a School Street is implemented, the road is turned into a pedestrian and cycle zone during pick-up and drop-off times.
Hannah Stanton, School Street Officer at Trafford Community Collective said:
"Whenever I speak to pupils, they tell me how much they like the calmer, safer, more welcoming environment on the School Streets. I'd like to thank the hundreds of amazing School Street volunteers in Trafford who give their time and energy in order to make a positive difference to the school community."
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said:
“We are delighted with the success of our School Streets in Trafford so far. They are really making a difference for the health and safety of families as well as the environment. We hope to encourage more schools to sign up and take part.”
Only exempt vehicles can access the road during these times, including emergency vehicles, residents and blue badge holders.
Schools currently operating School Streets alongside The Willows are Urmston Primary School / English Martyrs / Urmston Grammar, Seymour Park Community Primary School, Tyntesfield Primary School, Victoria Park Infant School and St Hugh of Lincoln RC Primary School.
All Saints Catholic Primary School in Sale has also been undertaking School Street trials and consultation and more schools are set to launch School Streets before the end of the academic year.
For more information email hannah@traffordcollective.org.uk.