Nova Hreod Academy to benefit from School Safe Environment Zone scheme

Launched two years ago, Swindon Borough Council’s School Safe Environment Zones (SSEZ) programme aims to deliver road safety and congestion improvements for schools across Swindon.

The five-year programme, which was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in July 2020, has an annual budget of £100,000

The SSEZs include a package of measures that will encourage behavioural change and improve safety outside and in the area around the schools.

As well as behavioural change initiatives, schemes can also include the introduction of engineering and enforcement measures such as school ‘keep clear’ markings, single and double yellow lines, flashing amber school signs, and the introduction of School Streets.

The design of each SSEZ is bespoke to the circumstances, characteristics and location of each school.

Council officers have been working with Nova Hreod Academy and local ward councillors since June 2022 on additional road safety measures on the approach to the school along Akers Way.

Over the next few weeks, flashing school warning signs indicating a 20mph speed limit during drop off and collection times, along with associated SLOW road markings will be installed along Akers Way.

The latest road safety improvements were planned before last November’s tragic accident outside the school and council officers are awaiting the results of Wiltshire Police’s accident investigation before considering if any additional measures are needed.

Councillor Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste Collection and Disposal & Highways Maintenance, said: “The tragic death of young Harry Parker shocked the entire town and it is clear he will leave a big hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

“It also showed how dangerous our roads can be and the importance of road safety, particularly outside our schools. We don’t yet know the results of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Harry’s death, but when these are available we will assess if extra road safety measures need to be introduced.

“In the meantime, we have been working with Nova Hreod and local ward councillors through the School Safe Environment Zone scheme to plan the installation of the flashing signs and a 20mph speed limit during school pick-up and drop-off times, plus the extra road markings, to provide some extra awareness for motorists as they approach the school.”

The 19 other schools who are being included in this year’s SSEZ programme are:

• William Morris Primary,
• Churchward School
• Great Western Academy
• Westlea Primary School
• Liden Primary School and the Chalet School
• Crowdys Hill School
• Brimble Hill School and Uplands School, Tadpole Lane 
• Tadpole Farm CE Primary School
• Maranatha Christian School
• Ferndale Community Primary School 
• Colebrook Junior School and Colebrook Infant Academy
• St Leonards CE Primary School
• Lawn Primary School
• Rodbourne Cheney Primary School
• Greenmeadow Primary School
• Covingham Park Primary School

Local residents living in streets around the listed schools can share their comments or concerns on the proposals by emailing ssez@swindon.gov.uk.

More information can be found by visiting the Council website: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/ssez