Two more School Streets are being introduced in Bath as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s efforts to improve safety and reduce congestion outside schools.
Outside St Stephen’s School | Photo © B&NES Council
The schemes will benefit pupils at St Stephen’s Primary Church School and Widcombe Infants and Juniors’ School, with timed vehicle restrictions planned at the start and end of the school day.
School Streets are designed to cut traffic outside school gates during busy drop-off and pick-up periods, while also encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling. Essential vehicle access will still be available for those who need it.
The council said the decision to press ahead followed two recent public consultations which showed support for the plans. Responses also highlighted concerns about congestion and unsafe driving conditions at peak times, with child safety a key factor in the decision.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “I’m delighted to see Bath’s first School Street launching outside St Stephen’s school in Lansdown during National Walk to School Week.
“It is an especially fitting moment, as we take an important step towards creating safer, calmer streets for children and families.
“By helping children learn about road safety, supporting more families to walk, scoot or cycle where they can, and encouraging more considerate driving, we can reduce the risk of collisions and help children arrive at school calmer, refreshed and ready to learn.”
The St Stephen’s scheme will begin on Monday 18th May and will affect a short section of Beacon Road between Richmond Place and Richmond Lane. Access will be restricted from 8.15am to 9am and from 3pm to 3.45pm on school days only.
The council said the only property within the zone is the school itself.
Temporary barriers will be put in place by trained volunteer stewards, and from 1st May some groups may be able to apply online for digital permits to enter by vehicle.
The Widcombe scheme will follow later in the summer, after further work with the school community. It will cover the full length of Archway Street and Excelsior Street between 8.20am and 9am, and again from 2.50pm to 3.30pm on school days.
The council said residents on those roads, along with people who have specific needs requiring vehicle access, will be able to apply for exemption permits once the launch date is confirmed.
A School Street outside Newbridge Primary School is also due to launch this summer, while a decision on a proposed scheme for St Philip’s Church of England Primary School in Odd Down is expected in June.
The council said traffic levels and travel behaviour will be monitored so any unintended impacts can be addressed.
