Three more Bradford schools sign up to close nearby streets during school run

Details of three more schools that will introduce measures to slash traffic around the school gates have been released.

In April, Bradford Council announced that more schools would soon be joining the School Streets programme, which sees stretches of road outside school gates restricted to traffic at drop off and pick up times.

Now it has been revealed that Farfield Primary and Nursery School in Buttershaw, St Philips CE Primary in Girlington and Newby Primary School in West Bowling will be joining the programme.

Several Bradford schools took part in a School Streets pilot in 2021, and it led to a drop in traffic of up to 77 per cent at drop-off and pick-up times.

However, some schools did not continue the scheme due to concerns about staffing.

As well as making roads safer around the school gates, School Streets also aim to, increase the number of people walking to schools and reduce pollution – particularly from parents who keep their engines running while waiting to pick up children.

When a School Street is introduced, parents and carers are encouraged to leave their cars at home and walk or cycle with their children to and from school.

Those who drop their children off as part of a longer journey, or can’t avoid driving their child to school, are encouraged to park safely and considerately on quieter streets further away from school and walk the last part of the journey.

Announcing the new programme, Bradford Council said restrictions will only in place during term time and at times linked to the start and end of the school day.

Signs at the entry points will notify drivers of the timed restrictions.

Where possible schools may also put out portable road closed signs to provide a physical and visual reminder of the restrictions.

Some vehicles, including those belonging to residents and businesses within the School Street, will be given a permit to enter and leave the area.

Some special groups of vehicles such as emergency vehicles, utility providers on emergency calls, and blue badge holders – when their destination is within the School Street zone – are exempt.

Residents and premises affected by a School Street have been notified and invited to apply for an access permit.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “Sadly, we hear reports of dangerous and inconsiderate driver behaviour outside school gates, which puts children’s lives at risk.

“Temporarily closing roads outside schools is a great way to create a safer, healthier and more pleasant space for everyone’s benefit.”

• school run