New government guidance to make streets safer & greener

The government has announced new guidance to make school runs healthier, safer, greener and more active.

The guidance has been published by Active Travel England and the Department for Transport and sets out how councils can better deliver school street schemes, so that they work best for pupils and staff as well as local businesses and residents.

'School Streets' temporarily only allow motor traffic with a permit outside the school gates at pick up and drop off times, creating safer space for children and their families to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school.

They also bring other benefits such as improved physical and mental health, reduced cases of dangerous driving, parking and turning outside schools during school run times and reduced emissions around school.s

There are already 180 School Streets funded by the government’s Active Travel Fund.

Evidence shows that these schemes increase active travel on the school run, are supported by most parents and residents in the nearby community, and do not cause significant road safety issues through traffic displacement.

National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: "The majority of kids have told us they want to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle to school – it’s what they want, and it’s what we want for them. It is vital that we give them the opportunity to bookend their day in the classroom with fresh air and exercise, helping them build healthy travel habits for life.

"Through our new School Streets guidance, we will be able to better design activity into our neighbourhoods and help make life happier and healthier for future generations, all while reducing congestion on the roads during school run times for residents and businesses – it’s win-win for everyone.

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: "It’s crucial that children are able to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that come with walking, cycling or scooting to schools.

"Today’s new School Streets guidance will help embed active travel at the heart of our neighbourhoods, so that children, parents, and local residents can all benefit from cleaner air, less congestion, and healthier journeys to school."