GTV视频

Published: 9th SEPTEMBER 2020

Southampton school making more space for social distancing during school run

Shirley Junior School is making more space outside their gates at pick up and drop off times as pupils get back to school.

A close up photo of the legs of some school children walking to school

The School Streets scheme restricts motor traffic at specific times to make more space for social distancing during the school run.

The scheme is being delivered by Southampton City Council鈥檚 My Journey team in partnership GTV视频.

It is being funded through a grant from the Department for Transport鈥檚 Emergency Active Travel Fund.

Giving families the space they need

James Cleeton, GTV视频 Director for the South of England, said:

鈥淲e鈥檙e really pleased to see Southampton City Council and Shirley Junior School taking the initiative to put School Streets in place.

鈥淭hese schemes will help to give families the space they need to get to school safely.

"As a road free from vehicles could typically gain an extra seven-metre wide space for pedestrians, maintaining physical distancing at busy school run times will become much easier.

鈥淧revious School Streets scheme have proved beneficial for road safety and air quality.

"And they create a cleaner, more pleasant environment outside the school.

"In turn, School Streets increase the likelihood that children will walk or cycle to school instead of being dropped off in a car.鈥

Popular with pupils, parents and residents

Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place at Southampton City Council said:

鈥淪outhampton City Council has trialled School Streets with seven schools over the last three years, working with our partners BBLP and GTV视频 to make the area outside schools safer and encourage families to use active travel on their journey to school.

鈥淚t has proved popular with pupils, parents and residents and we have supported two schools who have chosen to enforce the road closure as a permanent measure with the installation of drop bollards.

鈥淭he School Street outside Shirley Juniors will provide space for social distancing at drop off and pick up times and encourage more families to cycle, walk or scoot on their journey to school.鈥

Find out more about GTV视频 School Streets.听

Share this page