Volunteers are being asked to step forward and take part in a pioneering new scheme to limit traffic around schools at pick up and drop off times.
A four-week trial of the ‘school streets’ programme, led by Leicestershire County Council, will take place at Belvoirdale Community Primary School in Coalville, Saint Luke’s Primary School in Thurnby, and the Latimer Primary School in Anstey after the summer holidays.
The innovative initiative limits the traffic outside schools at busy periods, creating a safe space for children to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘park and walk’ to school, and tackles traffic congestion and air quality..
Volunteers are being sought to cordon off the road at the specific times and will be provided with the kit and training needed.
I’m pleased that we’re trialling this scheme as a way to tackle congestion and the whole host of issues we experience outside the school gates.
School streets can be one way in which we lessen these issues and make the school run easier, healthier and safer for everyone. I’m glad this trial will investigate this potential solution further and look forward to seeing its results.
Person:Councillor Ozzy O' Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport
Richard Dax, headteacher at Belviordale Primary, commented: “Children come to Belvoirdale, knowing that they can learn about our fascinating community and wider world, safely.
“This includes the journey, to and from school. Belvoirdale is proud to be part of the school streets campaign.”
Residents will still be able to use the road for access using a permit.
The trial will take place for four weeks from 30 August to the end of September.
The schools have applied to be involved chosen on the basis of practicality of road closures. The scheme is one of the first of its kind in Leicestershire.
To find out more about the school streets trial, including specific proposed times for each school, go to the Choose How You Move website. To volunteer to take part in the trial, apply on the Choose How You Move website at choosehowyoumove.co.uk/school-streets-volunteer