School Streets

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 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 School Street will vary from place to place. In most cases, traffic is restricted for 30 to 60 minutes at either end of the school day.

Volunteers and school staff are trained to place signs and barriers at the street closure points and steward the area during the road closure. The street becomes a temporary walking and cycling zone. During the closure times, residents and blue badges holders still have access. There are also 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 

How long does a School Street last?

Road closures for School Streets are operated under Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) signed off by the Cabinet Member for Transport. They have been advertised and notices placed on the street in advance. 

The ETROs last up to 18 months. During the first six months, consultation takes place 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 

School Streets can then become permanent under a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) if the consultation and feedback show strong support for the scheme. 

School Street schemes in Plymouth 

Quotes

• “Fantastic idea, I’m very supportive” – resident on Wilton Street 
• “Brilliant, should have done it years ago – passer-by 
• “I have three children and feel so much safer now the road is closed” – parent at Stuart Road Primary 
• “I’m happy the traffic is slower” – resident on Wingfield Way 
• “So much quieter, no fumes are coming in the windows” – resident on Palmerston Street 
• “Having the road closed has given me the confidence to let my son walk to school for the first time” – parent of Year 5 child at Stuart Road Primary 
• “Lovely, I wish it could stay like this forever” – resident on Palmerston Street