Stuart Road Primary Academy is set to become the first school in Plymouth to make traffic restrictions during morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up times permanent, following a successful 18-month trial. The ‘Safer School Streets’ measures, introduced by Plymouth City Council in partnership with Sustrans in 2023, aim to improve safety for all road users, make it easier for families to walk, cycle, or scoot to school, and create a healthier street environment with cleaner air. These measures have been widely welcomed by parents and local residents.

Surveys conducted by Sustrans have shown a 37 per cent increase in the number of children walking to school and a 45 per cent decrease in those being driven since the scheme was implemented. Councillor John Stephens, the Council’s walking and cycling champion, expressed his satisfaction with the positive impact of the closures, noting that they address issues of inconsiderate and dangerous parking. He emphasised the Council’s commitment to promoting active travel and creating cleaner, greener streets.

Headteacher Britta Nicholls shared the excitement of the school community, stating that the permanent road closure status allows families to safely walk, scooter, or cycle to Stuart Road Primary without the fear of vehicles. This move supports the school’s commitment to healthy lifestyles by encouraging daily exercise and reducing air pollution. The road outside the school (Palmerston Road) will be closed every weekday during term time from 7.50am to 8.50am and from 2.45pm to 3.45pm, with no changes to these timings.

Families are encouraged to walk, cycle, or scoot to school, or to ‘park and stride’ if they need to drive to work, parking a five or ten-minute walk from the school and completing the journey on foot. This initiative not only improves safety and air quality around the school gates but also promotes social interaction and a healthier lifestyle for the school community.

For more information visit Plymouth.gov.uk