Public consultation begins on six School Streets
We’re asking residents, parents and school communities for their views on proposals for School Streets schemes at six city primary schools from today (Monday 18 October).
A six-week online consultation has been launched to gather views for road restrictions outside:
• Westdene Primary School
• Downs Infant School
• Downs Junior School
• St Mary’s RC Primary School
• Hove Junior School (Portland Rd site)
• Queen’s Park Primary School
Each school has its own consultation so you can take part in the one that is relevant to you. The information collected through this consultation will be used to inform the design of each scheme.
You can comment on the proposals online by 29 November. Those wishing to request a paper copy or another format, can email transport.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call 01273 295795, leaving a message with their request.
Details of the consultation are also being sent directly to residents living on the roads which would be affected and to parents via schools. More information can be found on the School Streets webpage.
Background
School Streets was first piloted in the city in March 2019 when a one-day School Streets Taster Day was held at St Luke’s Primary School.
As part of the council’s Covid-19 response, an emergency programme was implemented in September 2020, which saw a further 9 School Streets closures trialled. This experience was used to inform the approach to delivering a city-wide School Streets programme going forward.
In September, Members of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability (ETS) committee approved plans to implement a city-wide School Streets programme, beginning with 12 schools over the next two years.
Working in partnership with the schools, School Streets will create more space for safer journeys to and from school by reallocating road space during drop-off and pick up times. This will allow a safer space for walking, cycling and scooting while also reducing the number of cars parked or idling outside school gates which will improve air quality.
Residents will continue to have access to their properties during the timed restrictions as will emergency services, Blue Badge holders, doctors or care visitors, people who have a business premises on the street and contracted school transport.
A safer journey to school
Amy Heley, chair of the ETS committee said: “As a School Streets volunteer, I’ve seen first hand the benefits they can have to children, parents and carers in the city.
“We’re working very hard to build a city which supports active and sustainable travel School Streets provide a safe space for walking, cycling and scooting, as well as cleaner air outside the school gates.
“I’d encourage anyone affected to take part in the consultation. It’s important residents have their say on how the schemes are designed so that they work for everyone.”
