Solihull Council's School Streets scheme, which restricts traffic outside primary schools during drop-off and pick-up times, is set to expand to a fourth school after monitoring data showed significant reductions in car use and improvements in safety and air quality.
Successful Pilot Results
At Oak Cottage Primary School, car use for school journeys fell from 31% to 8% after the scheme was introduced. At Marston Green Infant Academy, car use dropped from 57% to 41%. The scheme closes roads to traffic during peak school run hours, with only residents and blue badge holders permitted access.
Council officers reported that residents have experienced less inconsiderate parking, parents enjoy safer journeys, and air quality around school gates has improved. The scheme has been in operation for several years at three pilot schools.
Expansion to Coppice Primary School
Councillor Ken Hawkins, portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, is being recommended to introduce the scheme at Coppice Primary School in Coppice Road. Officers noted that 70% of pupils live within one mile of the school and alternative parking is available nearby.
"Our schemes have been a success in encouraging safer, sustainable journeys to school; reduced parking pressures at school gates; improved air quality and overall created a safer environment for all road users - especially our younger and vulnerable ones," Coun Hawkins said.
Decision and Next Steps
The decision will be made at a virtual cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 9, available to watch live from 6pm on solihull.gov.uk. If approved, Coppice Primary will become the fourth school in the borough to benefit from the initiative.
