Car free zone trial outside Wellingborough infants school extended

A Wellingborough infants school is set to continue with a trial where cars are banned from its school gates at drop-off and pick-up times.

The county council introduced the ‘school street’ scheme at St Barnabas Church of England School in September.

Barriers and signage go up at each end of St Barnabas Street from 8am to 9.30am and also from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on school days to prevent cars from using the road.

Since the trial launched, parents and carers have had to walk or cycle their children to the school gates.

The scheme has been overseen by school staff with anyone not complying being 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.

And the county council has just confirmed that the trial has been extended until Christmas.

Cllr Jason Smithers, cabinet member for Highways and Place at Northamptonshire County Council, said: “I can confirm that we are continuing with the school street trial at St Barnabas School in Wellingborough to help make it safer for children going to and from school.

“The trial has involved prohibiting vehicles (except residents with permits) from entering most of St Barnabas Street at school start and finish times in order to tackle the congestion and double parking that was previously causing issues.

“We are pleased that the scheme has been welcomed by many parents and residents of St Barnabas Street.

"However, we understand that some residents in the area have also expressed concerns - the consultation period is intended to provide us with a means of gauging these respective thoughts so that we can take them into consideration.

“The feedback we receive will also help us to formulate a policy on whether and where similar schemes would be suitable elsewhere in the county.”

The aim of the scheme is to create a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone around.

The council 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 can enter St Barnabas Street during the times of closure.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you