Wellingborough infants school first in county to become car free zone

A Wellingborough infants school will become the first in the county to have cars banned from its school gates at drop-off and pick-up times.

The county council is bringing in the ‘school street’ scheme at St Barnabas Church of England School from next week.

Barriers and signage will be put up in each end of St Barnabas Street from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm and 3.30pm on school days to prevent cars from using the road.

The school’s 170 parents and carers now will have to walk or cycle their children to the school gates.

It will be overseen by school staff and anyone who does not comply will be reported to the police.

The temporary scheme, which has been trialled in other parts of the country, is being funded by the Government’s emergency active travel fund.

The authority says it will be reviewed regularly to determine whether it should be a permanent move.

Cllr Jason Smithers, county council cabinet member for Highways and Place, said: “The last few months have been very challenging – we have all had different experiences due to coronavirus and many of us have changed the way we travel.

“We are starting to see an increase in traffic and a return to work and have taken this opportunity to improve provision for walking and cycling as part of the Governments’ Active Travel scheme.

“Many schools experience a number of traffic related issues at the beginning and end of each school day. We work with schools to educate communities on how to improve safety around schools and to ensure people are considerate and sensible when driving and parking in the area. We are confident that the pilot ‘school street’ will be a success in providing safer routes to schools.”

The council says the aim of the scheme is to create a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone around. It says the scheme will promote active travel to school by walking and cycling, which will help to reduce congestion and pollution in the area.

Vehicles with blue badges will be allowed to enter St Barnabas Street during the times of closure.

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