Safer School Street
A School Street is a road outside a school with a temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times. The restriction applies to school traffic and through traffic. Councils and schools are adopting safer School Streets across the UK to:
- improve road safety
- tackle inconsiderate parking outside school gates
Other benefits of the schemes include encouraging active travel and improving air quality. Parents who need to drive are encouraged to park slightly further away and walk the rest of the journey.
How the scheme works
A Safer School Street will vary from place to place. In most cases, traffic is restricted for 30-60 minutes at either end of the school day.
Stewards and school staff place signs and barriers at the street entrances. This makes the street a temporary walking and cycling zone. During this time residents and blue badges still have access
Stuart Road Primary School
Plymouth City Council’s first School Street is outside Stuart Road Primary School.
Palmerston Street will be closed to school run and through traffic between the times of:
- 7.50am to 8.50am
- 2.45pm to 3.45pm
During this time:
- a road sign will be attached to barriers
- a sign showing that people can walk, scoot, wheel or cycle will be shown
Road closed sign to be attached on the barriers at the road closure locations 
Sign showing that people can walk, scoot, wheel or cycle within the road closure area
What happens
There are three closure points with barriers at both entrances to Palmerston Street. This are monitored by school staff and volunteer stewards.
Residents and blue badge holders have full access to the street at all times. There are exemptions for:
- emergency services
- school transport
- parents or pupils with disabilities
- staff of businesses and organisations on the street
- waste collection and other service vehicles
Map showing the location of the Safer School Street scheme around Stuart Road Primary School as well as the timings of the closure.
How long it will go on for
The trial began on Monday 25 September 2023. The trial period can run for up to 18 months and will involve a consultation with:
- residents
- parents
- other stakeholders
Changes can be made to the scheme during the trial period in response to:
- the consultation
- feedback from school staff and stewards
The Safer School Street can become permanent if:
- the trial is successful
- the consultation shows that residents and parents are in favour
Legality
The road closure is being operated under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which has been signed off by the Cabinet Member for Transport. It has been advertised and notices placed on the street in advance.