A Traffic Order has come into force creating the first permanent School Street in Torbay, ready for the start of the next academic year.
The safety measure introduced by Torbay Council was trialled at Curledge Street in Paignton during the Covid pandemic in September 2020.
Curledge Street Academy has buildings on both sides of the road which has narrow pavements, so a traffic ban was trialled to improve safety at drop-off and pick-up times.
After the success of the trial, and following consultation, a new permanent Traffic Order has come into force ready for the start of the new school term in September.
The order covers the school year from 1 September to 31 July, with a break for the summer holidays.
It bans vehicles from entering Curledge Street from Midvale Road and travelling westwards past the primary school between 8.15am and 9.15am, and between 2.45pm and 3.45pm.
Cycling is allowed and there is an exemption for emergency services.
The purpose of creating the new Pedestrian and Cycle Zone is to improve road safety outside the school during the busy pick-up and drop-off times.
It is hoped it will improve the environment for all by reducing traffic noise and pollution, and encourage more walking and cycling trips.
A sign notifying motorists of the road closure times is in place at the start of the zone near the junction at the approach from Midvale Road. Another marks the end of the restriction on Curledge Street near the junction with Fisher Street.
Cllr Nick Bye, Torbay Council Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We are pleased that this small change will result in a big improvement to the safety of everyone at busy times outside the school. It will also reduce pollution outside the school and we are hoping it will lead to more walking and cycling, with all the health and environmental benefits that will bring.”
Hannah Wilkinson, Head of School at Curledge Street Academy, said the new traffic order would make the area safer for the whole school community.
She said: “It’s really important for us that the children can enter the school and exit the school with reduced emissions and a safer zone for cycling and scooting, which the children here absolutely adore. There are many positive benefits coming from the traffic order. The biggest one for me is that all children will be safe at all times at Curledge Street Academy.”
To ensure the safety of school pupils, all parents and carers are reminded to park safely and legally. For more information on driving to and parking at school visit our driving to school page.
What are School Streets?
A School Street is a road outside a school with a temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times. The restriction applies to school traffic and through traffic. The result is a safer, healthier and pleasant environment for everyone.
School Street schemes offer a proactive solution for school communities to tackle air pollution, poor health and road danger reduction. A School Street scheme will encourage a healthier lifestyle and active travel to school for families and lead to a better environment for everyone. Find out more at schoolstreets.org.uk.
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