Tackling “school run” problems during the pandemic

A NEW traffic management scheme to ease pressures around schools during the coronavirus pandemic has been launched at Warrington.
The scheme, known as “School Streets” is a borough council initiative aiming to deal with traffic related issues experienced outside schools at the start and end of the school day – the infamous “school run.”
Many schools across the borough experience the problem and how they manage pupils attending and leaving school in a safe COVID environment has had an impact on the surrounding roads. .
The council is piloting the new traffic management measure to create more space around schools and improve road safety.
“School Streets” will see the roads directly outside schools closed to traffic during school opening and closing times. This is to create a safer environment for children going to and from school.
The restrictions are being implemented at a number of schools that currently experience traffic issues – beginning with St Andrew’s Primary in Orford – and will be in effect for at least six months.
The rules mean that a road outside a school will temporarily close to motor traffic during a school’s opening and closing times, to create a predominantly car free zone. The scheme encourages active travel to school by walking and cycling, which in turn will help the environment by reducing congestion and pollution.
No vehicles will be able to enter the restricted zones between the times of operation, unless they have been given an exemption. Residents who live on the affected streets will be given a permit to be displayed in their vehicles. This permit will enable residents to drive through the effected zones during the restricted times.
Parents or carers who are not able to walk or cycle to school can park their vehicle outside the school street zone and complete the journey on foot.
Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm said: “This scheme is to ensure the health and safety of pupils and staff, as well as the parents and carers of pupils.
“By following this scheme, we can help limit the transmission of coronavirus, and ensure our children can safely get in and out of school, avoiding the congested school drop-off.”
“We’d like to thank our local schools, parents and carers for their co-operation and support of this scheme.”
More details of the scheme are at warrington.gov.uk/education-schools-and-childcare-coronavirus-update
Further information can be obtained via email [email protected]