Two schools in Bolton are to introduce ‘school streets’ with the aim of making it safer for children.
Kearsley West primary school will introduce a ‘school street system from Tuesday, May 5, and St Bede’s primary academy following suit from Monday, May 18.
It means that on days when the schools are open, access to some nearby streets will be controlled at school drop off and pick up times.
People like residents, workers, school staff and emergency responders will still be able to get in and out of the streets, with school staff and
trained volunteers on hand to ensure that the necessary vehicles can pass.
Bolton council said school streets have also been shown to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion close to schools.
At Kearsley West, access to Primrose Street will be controlled from 3pm to 3:45pm.
St Bedes will see access to Hurst Street and Back Morris Green Lane controlled between 8.30am to 8.50am and 3pm to 3.30pm.
The idea of school streets was successfully trialled at four Bolton schools in March.
After each trial, the schools held forums and surveys to gather feedback from parents and residents with the schools each receiving more than 60 replies.
The council said more than 85 per cent of the feedback was positive and among the top reasons highlighted were improved safety for children, reduced
traffic congestion and easier road crossing.
Almost three-quarters of road accidents involving children happen between 8am and 9am and 3pm and 7pm, making travelling to and from school
the most dangerous time of day.
With almost half of primary school children and a quarter of secondary school children driven to school, school streets have also been shown to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
Almost 50 schools across Greater Manchester already have school streets in place and London has over 700.
A spokesperson for Bolton council said: “Children love getting to and from school under their own steam and it’s never too early for them to enjoy being active.
“But it’s critical that we keep our youngsters as safe as possible on the way to and from school.
“That’s where School Streets come in, because they have proved successful from Edinburgh to London and across Greater Manchester.
“Now it’s the turn of children in Bolton to benefit.”
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