A Stretford primary school has launched a trial following several successful ‘School Street’ schemes that have been rolled-out across Trafford.
Recently, St Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Primary School took part in test-runs that saw Glastonbury Road, between the junctions of Winchester Road and Brompton Road, temporarily closed to traffic during drop off and pick-up times.
A school street is a road outside a school that temporarily prevents motor vehicles from driving and parking there at the start and end of each school day between 8.20-9am and 2.45-3.30pm. However, the road is open for walking, wheeling and cycling.
The aim is to help reduce congestion and pollution while increasing safety and encouraging more active ways for pupils to travel to and from school.
A number of schools that have introduced the initiative said they have resulted in a safer, healthier, and cleaner environment for everyone.
Cllr Jill Axford, who represents Lostock and Barton ward, volunteered at the launch last week, alongside Trafford Council’s School Streets officer, Hannah Stanton.
Cllr Axford said: “I’m so pleased that St Hugh of Lincoln, which already runs a successful Walking Bus, so that pupils can walk to school safely, is now trialling a School Street.
“I can already see the huge value this will have in terms of creating a safe, quiet space outside the school, while providing a real sense of community.
“I’m so grateful to Hannah for all the hard work she has put into this, and the brilliant cooperation she’s had from the school.”
Mrs Stanton said the responses from those walking their children to and from school had been ‘extremely positive’.
She added: “School Streets schemes have a big impact on the safety and wellbeing of pupils and their families and are generally warmly welcomed by residents.
“When I speak to pupils, the majority say they would like to walk, scoot or cycle to school. Setting up a School Street helps to create an environment where families feel safe to travel actively on the school run.”
Headteacher Aiddy Smith said he was really pleased with the positive responses the school had received from both parents and residents after the trials.
He added: “We’ve been hoping for a School Street for a while now, as parking outside school has become a real concern.”
“It was great to see our children and parents happily walking to school and this is something we want to encourage daily. With School Streets set up it will create a happier and healthier environment in and around St Hugh’s.”
