ASHLEY Down Primary School says a scheme introduced in the autumn to protect children and families at school pick-up and drop-off times is proving a success.
It is one of four schools to join the city’s School Streets scheme, bringing the total to 11.
The streets outside the schools are now classed as walking, cycling, and wheeling zones, restricting car use with temporary barriers across the road at the start and end of the school day.
The permanent schemes encourage families to walk, cycle, wheel, scoot or park further away from the school and walk the last part of the journey.
Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I am delighted to welcome four more Bristol schools to our growing School Streets programme. All these schools will benefit from reduced traffic outside their gates, improved road safety for pupils, reduced air pollution, and more children travelling actively to school.
“It’s encouraging to see the number of local schools now benefitting from a School Street steadily increasing. Early in 2024 we will start the process of introducing another four more School Streets across the city. I hope further schools will work with us to establish them for the benefit of their school communities.”
Amy Sood, Headteacher of Ashley Down Primary School, said: “Thank you to the team for making our School Street such a positive experience. The pedestrian access around the school site has been much safer with less congestion on the narrow pavements.
“Thank you to our families for embracing active travel to school and if having to use a car, parking safely further away, and then walking.
“Drivers along Downend Road have been much more cautious and have definitely been slowing down when they see the road closure.
“The community response to the School Street has been overwhelmingly positive and we thank the volunteers who are enabling this to continue.”