The School Streets trials aim to reduce issues with parking and congestion around the school and encourage more sustainable travel such as walking, cycling or even scooting. This means there will be temporary road closures during school pick up and drop off outside selected schools.

The project is kicking off with Otterhampton Primary school in Combwich, Bridgwater on 3 June. School Streets will be repeated across a following four schools which are yet to be confirmed.

This temporary road closure will operate on School Lane between 8.25am and 8.55am, and 2.55pm and 3.25pm Monday to Friday during term time. The traffic regulation order (TRO) is a legal requirement preventing motor vehicle access but has some exceptions including but not limited to blue badge holders, emergency and public services.

There are two volunteer stewards to carry out the road closure with support of local PCSOs.

Avon and Somerset Police will also be encouraging active travel and will be offering bike marking to help prevent bike theft on 4 June from 2pm until 4pm. You can find out more about bike marking on the National Bike Database website.

School streets trial encourages families and children to use active and sustainable modes of transport which will hopefully create healthy lifestyles for their future and the future of our planet.

This trial will run for eighteen months, and, if successful it will become permanent. During the trail there will be a six-month consultation period for residents to give their thoughts and feedback. Have your say on the trial during the first six months from 3 June 2024 to 3 December 2024.

Somerset Council is working in collaboration with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and Sustrans on the School Streets project.

Joe Bigwood, Head of behaviour Change and Engagement, Sustrans, England South said:

“School Streets provide benefits for families travelling to school, local residents and the wider community. They help to tackle congestion, poor air quality and road safety concerns, building confidence in families to travel actively to school. School Streets are a powerful way of showing what’s possible when cars are removed outside a school. We are delighted to be working in partnership with SASP, helping to create a safer, greener environment for Otterhampton Primary and are excited to see how School Lane is transformed into a walking, wheeling and cycling safe haven for all to enjoy.”

Claire Luce, Executive Head Teacher OPS said:

“’I am so excited that Otterhampton Primary School is the first school in Somerset to get involved in the School Streets initiative. We are looking forward to working with our parents and the local community to make School Lane safer for our children.”