From September, 14 schools will be taking part in the city’s School Streets project, which aims to help get children safely back to school by making extra physical distancing space at the school gate.
The scheme, approved in June by the council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee is based on successful work of schools in London and aims to encourage more to choose to walk or cycle to school.
It’s also in line with the government’s support for increasing active travel, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project will see temporary timed closures of roads close to schools’ entrances during drop-off and pick-up times, during term time.
Some schools aren’t able to take part as a scheme as it doesn’t suit their particular location, while some have chosen not to take part at this time. We hope everyone will get behind each school to help make it a success and support Headteachers’ who are working on this with the health and safety of families, staff and neighbours in mind.
The restrictions will help the ongoing need to physically distance during the Covid-19 pandemic, the full reopening of schools from September, help reduce congestion, air pollution and aims to improve road safety and support child independence.
More information about School Streets can be found on our website.
The 14 schools which have been assessed as suitable and have agreed to take part are:
• Brunswick Primary
• Carden Primary School
• Downs Junior
• Downs Infant
• Fairlight Primary
• Hove Junior Portland Road
• Moulsecoomb Primary
• Saltdean Primary
• St Luke’s Primary
• St Margaret’s CE Primary
• St Nicolas CE VA Primary
• Stanford Infant
• West Hove Infant – Portland Road
• West Hove Infant – Connaught Annexe
Closures will be placed at either end of the restriction and will be operated by trained volunteers.
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be issued to vehicles parked in contravention of road traffic regulations. The level of the penalty will vary according to the type of contravention.
Pete West, Lead member for Transport said: “I’m pleased we’ll soon see School Streets in action around the city.
“This is a project that has already worked very successfully in London with more planned for Bristol, Birmingham and Sheffield among others.
“With the full reopening of schools, parents need to feel confident taking their children to school will be safe. We need to do what we can to support safe and active travel to and from the school gate and I hope more schools will be able to take part in the future.
“Active and sustainable travel has short and long term benefits to our health and environment and I would encourage all parents and carers to consider walking, cycling or scooting to school wherever possible.”
The temporary access restrictions will not apply to:
• residents who live on the street,
• Blue Badge holders;
• doctors & care visitors to residents in the street;
• business owners with premises in the street;
• business, school staff, or others accessing on-premises parking;
• emergency services;
• contract school transport;
• businesses making deliveries.
Although the restrictions will not apply in these instances, we ask motorists to drive at walking pace (5mph) if they need to drive through the street during the restricted times.
The project will be reviewed after six months and the traffic order can last for a maximum of 18 months.
We will monitor the impact of the measures and listen to feedback from residents, businesses, parents/carers and the school.