School Street Trial: Marlborough Primary School
Introduction to School Streets
A School Street is a road, or section of road, outside a school that becomes a pedestrian and cycle zone during the school’s opening and closing times. These timed road closures aim to reduce congestion and poor air quality directly outside school gates by preventing parents’ vehicles from accessing the road to drop off or collect children. Additionally, they make the area outside the school safer and can make it easier for families to choose more sustainable modes of travel. This also provides a more pleasant environment for the local community and makes it easier for people to keep their distance where Covid-19 guidelines require. Residents and businesses within the zone would still be able to access the road with their vehicles at all times by applying for an exemption. We are asking what you think of our proposals regarding the introduction of a School Street outside Marlborough Primary School. Please read the following information carefully before filling in the survey no later than 17 January 2021.
For further information, please contact [email protected] or call our Healthy Streets Officer, Aidan Chisholm, on 07866 143838.
School Context
Marlborough Primary School has been recognised by Transport for London for their achievements in promoting sustainable travel for journeys to and from school. The school has made excellent progress in encouraging active travel, including walking, cycling, and scooting. However, the school and local community has raised concerns about the issues of congestion, double parking, and engine idling directly outside the school entrance, posing health and safety risks to children.
What is proposed for Draycott Avenue?
The Council is proposing a School Street on the section of Draycott Avenue depicted on the map below.
The proposed operating time for the road closure is 8.30 - 9.05 am & 3 - 3.35 pm, Monday to Friday during the school term, and will not operate during the school holidays. Vehicles will not be able to enter the street during this time unless they have been given an exemption. Residents and businesses who reside within the closed section of Draycott Avenue will be able to register for an exemption, as well as Blue Badge holders who need access to the school. If implemented, we are proposing to trial the scheme from around 21 February 2021 after school half term break, for just over 4 months, until the school year finishes. The trial will be reviewed over the summer when it will be decided whether to make the School Street permanent, or extend the trial, or cease the scheme altogether.
Physical barriers will be used at the times of operation to prevent vehicles from entering the closed street. Signs will be placed at the relevant junctions as the below map indicates. These signs will display key information about when the scheme is in operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m already in the zone when the road closure starts?
You’re able to stay parked in the zone or exit the zone at any time, but you are not able to re-enter the zone until the road closure ends if you do not have a permit.
How will it be enforced?
In addition to manned barriers that will be installed at the street entrances during the closure times, for the first few weeks of the closure our Community Safety Wardens will be on site.
What indicates that it is a School Street other than people manning barriers?
Official signage, notifying people of pedestrians and cycles only zone, is or will be installed on every School Street in the borough.
What if I need to deliver something and do not have an exemption?
You should consider re-timing your delivery, or park elsewhere and continue the delivery on foot.
I live/work in the closure area; how do I apply for a School Street Permit?
Residents, businesses, Blue Badge and Purple Badge Holders residing within School Street can apply for a School Street Permit to maintain access to the street during the timed closures. Please note, this does not replace the Resident Parking Permit. If you would like to apply for a permit, please email us at [email protected] and we can send you an application form with details on how to apply.
How can I find out more?
Please contact our Healthy Streets Officer, Aidan Chisholm, at [email protected]
How can I give my view once the School Street closures begin?
Please email us at [email protected]
Can I park in car parking bays during the road closure?
If you are already in a pay-by-phone parking bay before the street is closed, you can remain there for as long as you have paid. You will not be allowed to enter the street and access the paid parking bays unless you hold a valid permit.
What about older people, such as grandparents, picking up children from these schools, who can't walk very well?
We have offered to work with each school if they believe they would benefit from a ‘Park & Stride’ map for school children and others to benefit from. Individuals with specific mobility concerns who are Blue Badge or Purple Badge Holders are exempt from the restriction and therefore will be unaffected by the trial.
How can I suggest a School Street?
Only schools that have requested assistance implementing a School Street will be considered. Schools can email [email protected] to indicate their interest.
What happens if I have a courtesy car?
Be sure to keep us updated with the details of the vehicle that you need to use if you live in a School Street closure area. Please email school.travel@[email protected] if we need to update your permit record.
What will happen if the School Street trial is a success?
If the trial is a success, it may be extended up to 18 months in total or made permanent.