School streets
School street trial
We introduced a trial School Street in 2020/21. The trial is to assess what works and what doesn't work and to gather information and analyse data in order to determine how and where other schools and communities might benefit from such a scheme.
The trial site was introduced on Staldon Road, outside East Wichel Primary School. It was selected as part of our School Safe Environment Zone (SSEZ) Year 1 schemes, delivered in the financial year 2020/21.
Each school has a unique set of characteristics and the introduction of engineering and/or behaviour change initiatives is determined based on their own merits.
East Wichel Primary School was identified as a suitable site for the trial of a School Street due to the layout of the road, the small number of residents affected and the current parking and speed restrictions already in place.
A trial school street
Motorised traffic are prohibited from entering the street during the time periods specified on the traffic signs. Signs have been placed at each end of the School Street.
Residents on the street affected display a valid permit in their vehicle to allow them to drive through a zone during the restricted times. Wiltshire Police have powers to enforce the restrictions so anyone caught driving through a restricted zone whilst the restriction is in force, without a valid permit or exemption, can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
A trial School Street will be introduced using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for 18 months. The nature of an experimental order allows formal consultation to be undertaken during the initial 6 months. This gives residents and the wider community the opportunity to experience the benefits and identify any problems with the proposals, whilst retaining the right to object or make representations.
At the end of this period, the project is evaluated, and a decision made as to whether the scheme should be made permanent or not.
Impact on those using the trial street
We have worked to ensure this has a positive impact on local residents, parents and commuters.
Parents and carers of School Street
The street outside the school with a School Street is restricted to traffic during specified times at the beginning and end of the school day. Only vehicles with a special permit will be permitted access.
Pupils, parents and carers will experience a safer environment for walking and cycling to school as it will encourage more parents and carers of children to leave their cars at home and walk to school.
If you still need to drive to school, we ask that you park a short distance away and walk the rest of your journey.
Further details on the restriction and times they apply is available on the School Streets permit information page.
Please note: Permits will only be issued to residents living within the street directly affected by the restriction.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge holders residing at, or visiting properties within the restricted roads, will be exempt from the School Streets restrictions and must display their blue badge as they enter the school street.
Further School Streets
The introduction of more School Streets in Swindon will depend on the individual characteristics of schools being considered each year for a SSEZ and whether any sites are suitable for a School Street.
Not all School Streets will have the same restrictions or features and may look very different.
Any additional schools that are identified for consideration of a school street, will be added to the following list and will be updated throughout the term of the programme:
- 2020/21 year 1 - East Wichel Primary School, Staldon Road - ETRO modified in December 2021 (made permanent in 2022)
- 2021/22 year 2 - St Catherine’s RC Primary School, Davenwood - Proposed ETRO from 28 February 2022 (made permanent in 2023)
- 2021/22 year 2 - Seven Fields Primary School, Leigh Road - Proposed ETRO from 28 February 2022 (made permanent in 2023)