Agenda item

Report attached

The Sub-Committee received a report that provided an overview of Phase 1 and 2 School Streets scheme and their benefits.

The School Street is a street (or streets) surrounding a school that is closed to most vehicles for a period of time at the start and end of the school day. They are implemented with the aim of creating a safer environment for everyone by reducing traffic and improving local air quality.

The restrictions, which are enforced during term time only (with CCTV), should have the following benefits for the school community and residents:

·       Improved road safety for all road users

·       A reduction in anti-social behaviour from thoughtless parking and dangerous vehicle movements

·       Less vehicles on the school run, reducing traffic and making it easier for pupils, parents, carers and staff to walk, scoot and cycle to school – with physical and mental health benefits

·       Increased physical activity levels in children by enabling confidence in parents to let their children walk, scoot or cycle to and from school.

·       Contributes towards positive modal shift and less reliance on motorised vehicles.

·       Improved air quality around the school gate due to reduced vehicles (and idling).

The report outlined the plans for the further expansion of the number of school streets in the Borough (Phase 3).

The sub-committee noted report outlined the following proposals for expansion of School Streets Scheme:

As a result of the benefits of the scheme, the Council is moving to a policy of promoting a School Street wherever the location is deemed suitable. It was noted that as the work is underway to implement the next batch of school streets in time for the new school term in September.

All remaining schools that are considered to be suitable for a School Street scheme will be contacted. The advantages of a school street will be explained and the Council will seek their views and whether they would support a School Street in their area.

The sub-committee noted that the high-level screening suggested an additional ten School Streets may be possible this year 2023.

It was noted that further to engagement with schools, providing the school supports in principle, the local area will be consulted. Ward members will be engaged as part of this process. The results of the consultation will be used to develop the approved list to be taken forward and implemented.

The report outlined the following key milestones of the current work:

Those School Street sites to be taken forward will be presented for a decision through the Councils Executive Decision process and will be adopted for the experimental traffic order process as for Phase 1 and 2.

The sub-committee is asked to note the report and provide any feedback, which can be used in the management of existing school streets and the planning and implementation of future school streets, as appropriate.

The Sub-Committee noted the report.