Brighton School Streets scheme prohibits drivers from two junctions 'at all times'

Measures to shut roads outside school entrances will be introduced again this month in preparation for pupils' return to classrooms, as part of the School Streets scheme.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it is introducing "semi-permanent" closures in roads outside three schools in the city - Downs Junior School, Brunswick Primary and St Luke’s Primary - from February 22.

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

Included within the list of measures is a plan to prohibit drivers "at any time except pedal cycles" in Somerhill Road at its junction with Lansdowne Road, outside Brunswick Primary, and at the junction of Queens Park Rise and Queens Park Terrace, outside St Luke's Primary.

The road closure outside St Luke's Primary School last year

The plans state double yellow lines will be extended in Queens Park Rise, near the junction with Queen’s Park Terrace, to allow room for vehicles to turn.

This will reduce the permit holders only parking on the east side and the shared parking on the west side.

In addition, during term time motorists will not be able to drive in the specified roads between 8am and 10am and between 2pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday, when only cyclists will only be allowed access.

READ MORE: Parents praise School Streets scheme in Brighton and Hove

The measures are being introduced in the following roads, from February 22:

• The entire length of Florence Place, outside Downs Infants School
• Grantham Road outside Downs Junior School, from the junction with Ditchling Road to the junction with Edburton Avenue
• Somerhill Road outside Brunswick Primary School, south of the junction with Somerhill Avenue

The council said it is trialling "physical measures, to determine which model works best in the long term".

Residents living in or close to these roads have been sent a letter about the measures, which are being installed on a trial basis through Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders.

The restrictions will not apply to:

• residents who live on the street

• Blue Badge holders

• doctors and care visitors to residents in the street

• business owners with premises in the street

• business, school staff, or others accessing on-premises parking

• emergency services

• contract school transport

• businesses making deliveries.

It comes after the trial of the School Streets scheme in September, as part of the council's measures to support a safe return to the classroom during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amy Heley, chairwoman of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said: “We were thrilled to be able to introduce School Streets to the city and see it work very well when children returned after a long break last September.

“Opening up the roads for walking, cycling and scooting means pupils, parents and carers can get to and from school safely while enjoying the benefits of active travel while ensuring access remains for those who need it, including disabled people and Blue Badge holders. I look forward to seeing them in action.

“It’s important we continue to offer sustainable travel options to our residents if we want to reach our goal of reducing toxic emissions and becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030."