School Streets Scheme Under Scrutiny
Councillors in Solihull have raised concerns over the effectiveness of the School Streets scheme, which closes roads outside primary schools during drop-off and pick-up times to improve safety. The scheme, implemented at 11 schools via traffic regulation orders, restricts vehicle access to permit holders and blue badge holders only.
Mixed Success Reported
At a recent cabinet portfolio holder meeting for environment and infrastructure, council officers recommended expanding the scheme to Coppice Primary School in Coppice Road, citing success at three initial sites: Oak Cottage Primary School, Marston Green Infant Academy, and Hasluck’s Green Junior School. According to an officer report, evaluation of these schools showed “clear and consistent benefits.”
However, Councillor Kathryn Thomas highlighted failures at Valley Primary School in Fallowfield Road, stating: “When enforcement officers aren’t on site to watch, the offending continues. A number of incidents have occurred including a resident's wall being damaged and a near miss with a child.”
Enforcement Challenges
Dean Ward, the authority’s head of highways, acknowledged compliance issues, saying: “We do appreciate the issues with poor compliance at certain locations. What the proposal is to do beyond this is to look at those areas and seek additional funding for enforcement cameras.”
Councillor Alan Wigley argued: “We can’t say the scheme is successful based on the reports of three schools. I know three schools where it is a failure, cameras may well be the answer, something has to change.”
Police Criticism
Cabinet holder Councillor Ken Hawkins criticised West Midlands Police, suggesting enforcement of school streets was not a high priority. He commented: “When I was a police officer and we saw a vehicle parked 30 seconds or more, we knew they weren't moving, they had a ticket. I want more people fined for parking like this, that’s the way that will stop it. I support the school streets but I also recognise they have been very successful in locations and not so much in others.”
Decision on Coppice Primary
Hawkins officially noted the “continued success” of the scheme but added “with differing levels of performance.” He approved the introduction of the new School Street at Coppice Primary School during the virtual meeting on July 9.
