Calls for roads by Queen's Park School in Brighton to be shut

Queen's Park Labour Councillors Nick Childs and Amanda Evans are pushing for the streets surrounding Queen's Park Primary School in Brighton to be shut during drop-off and pick-up times to make it safer for parents and pupils.

A statement released by the councillors read: "Dangerous driving and parking outside the school has become an increasing issue.

Labour Councillor Amanda Evans and her colleague Cllr Nick Childs are calling for Queen's Park School in Brighton to be added to the School Streets scheme

"With rising stress levels and flaring tempers, we have seen staff being abused when trying to manage the situation and – most scarily of all – the lives of our children being put at risk.

"This can’t continue."

Cllr Childs and Cllr Evans have started a petition for the school to be included in the School Streets scheme.

• READ MORE: Parents praise School Streets scheme following its introduction

This has seen roads outside 14 schools in Brighton and Hove temporarily restricted to allow for safety, social distancing and active travel among pupils.

The petition states: "In September, Brighton and Hove City Council introduced a successful road closure scheme across 14 schools, including neighbouring St Luke’s School, in which roads adjacent to the school entrance are closed during drop-off and pick-up times.

"Without exception, all schools report increased safety and a positive impact of the programme.

Queen's Park School in Brighton

"Queen’s Park School was recently informed that there is not enough funding available to extend the scheme to our school.

"Why is the safety of our children less important?"

The petition to Brighton and Hove City Council has, so far, been signed 32 times.

Brighton Kemptown Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has also voiced his support for the campaign, saying he would like to see the School Streets principle introduced at all schools in the city.

He said: "I have raised this issue directly with the Minister in Parliament and been given assurances that more powers are coming to make it easier for councils to act.

• READ MORE: Road closures still to come in Brighton under School Streets scheme

"It's an important initiative not just on the basis of the immediate road safety concerns but for air quality reasons.

"School zones have some of the worst air quality, especially when it comes to to pick-up and drop-off time.

"I know St Luke's has trialled some closures with great success and it should be rolled out to schools across Brighton."

Brighton and Hove City Council has been contacted for comment.