A trial ban on cars outside three schools at drop-off and pick-up times has begun.
The scheme is being trialled at Arundel Church of England Primary, Swiss Gardens Primary, Shoreham and Thomas A Becket Junior, Worthing.
It prohibits motorists from driving near the school gates at drop-off and pick-up times.
The initiative, led by schools in partnership with West Sussex County Council, aims to “give families greater confidence to leave the car at home” and choose sustainable travel options for the school run.
"The school street trial scheme offers a range of benefits for schools, the local community and driving behaviour,” said Andrew Simpson, headteacher at Arundel Church of England Primary School.
“It has already helped us teach pupils about road safety, active transportation and environmental conservation."
- READ MORE: School streets trial in East Sussex
Lawrence Caughlin, headteacher at Swiss Gardens Primary School, Shoreham, said: “This scheme is an important step forward to support safe travel to school for all our children. We are firmly behind the project as the safety of children at our school is paramount and hope it leads to sustained and long-lasting improvements.”
In Worthing, Becky Linford, headteacher at Thomas A Becket Junior, said: “The scheme will support us in keeping our children safe by reducing traffic on local roads and making it a healthier environment for pupils on their journey to school.”
Motor vehicles are banned at the following schools at these times:
- Arundel Primary School, Jarvis Road, Arundel, between 8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm
- Swiss Gardens Primary School, Swiss Gardens, Shoreham, between 8am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Buses are allowed in this instance.
- Thomas A Becket Junior School, Glebeside Avenue, between 8am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm
The only exceptions are residents’ vehicles, businesses and some other exemptions for essential access.
Councillor Joy Dennis, the county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “These experimental initiatives aim to improve safety for vulnerable road users and encourage families to leave the car at home and choose active and sustainable travel options.”
The trial started on Monday and will run for a minimum of six months, with “constant monitoring” using sensors.
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