Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on plans to introduce two new School Streets in the city, aimed at creating safer and healthier journeys for pupils.
Proposals have been drawn up for roads outside Widcombe Infant & Junior Schools and St Stephen’s Primary Church School in Lansdown, with formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultations running from until 26th February 2026, closing at 5pm.
School Streets use short, timed vehicle restrictions at the start and end of the school day to cut congestion outside school gates and encourage more families to walk, scoot or cycle.
The Widcombe and St Stephen’s school communities have been working with the council to shape the schemes, and all three schools are part of the national Modeshift STARS programme promoting walking, wheeling and cycling.
Under the proposals for Widcombe, timed vehicle restrictions would apply on Archway Street and Excelsior Street from 8.20–9am and 2.50–3.30pm on school days only.
Residents on these streets would be able to apply for exemption permits.
At St Stephen’s Primary, the School Street would cover the northern end of Beacon Road between Richmond Lane and Richmond Place, with vehicle restrictions proposed from 8.15–9am and 3–3.45pm on school days. There are no homes or businesses on this stretch that would require exemptions.
Essential access, including emergency services, school transport, utilities and agreed accessibility needs, would be maintained at both locations.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “School Streets are about putting children and their safety first. By reducing traffic outside school gates, we can make journeys safer, calmer and more enjoyable.
“These proposals reflect what parents, staff and residents have told us about safety and congestion, and I encourage people to look at the plans and share their views.”
Residents, businesses and school families can give feedback via online surveys and at drop-in events:
- Widcombe Infants School – Tuesday 10th February, 3.45–7pm
- St Stephen’s Primary School Hall – Wednesday 11th February, 3.45–7pm
Full details and survey links are available at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/widcombeschoolstreet and www.bathnes.gov.uk/ststephens-schoolstreet.
