Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) have implemented ‘school streets’, preventing cars from accessing certain roads during peak school times.
BCP council have created 5 school streets so far, two of which are running on a trial basis.
These streets have been created to increase safety and improve air quality within the community.
BCP Cllr Jude Butt said: “Back in the 50 and 60s roads were a lot safer as people drove a lot slower and more carefully, children were able to play in the streets and spent less time on their phones this is something we
The restrictions apply to school traffic and through traffic, but exceptions have been made for residents of the street, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
Mandie White, resident of a school street, said: “I live very near to the school, because of the traffic around there it’s hectic to park outside your place they park everywhere even in disabled parking places with no badges up.”
After the trial period, BCP council will send for feedback from the schools, parents, residents and businesses in the area to determine whether the school streets should be implemented permanently.
A main reason for the implementation of school streets is to create more of a community feel around BCP as it encourages more families to walk to school rather than drive, which is inevitably more sociable.
Sue Banbury, Charminster resident, said: “Whilst I understand creating the road into a school street is safer for the children, I don’t think it is benefiting the environment as it is causing a build-up of traffic on other roads.”
The council was awarded funding from the Department for Transport to secure a temporary Sustrans Schools Streets Officer who created the initiative for school streets, as they advocate to tackle air pollution and road danger.
The officer will be providing support for approximately 18 months until the trial period is over.
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