St. Catherine's School Street - in partnership with Swindon Borough Council
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What is it?
‘School Streets’ is a project being trialled by Swindon Borough Council in partnership with schools which seeks to address challenging traffic situations outside schools through the introduction of new restrictions that exclude traffic entering or travelling around the streets outside schools at key times of the day. The aim of this is to create a predominantly car free zone.
Why are we doing it?
Following concerns raised about road safety outside St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, we are aiming to create a safer, more pleasant environment. Throughout the scheme we will be supporting the school in promoting active travel to school by either walking, scooting or cycling. This in turn will help to reduce congestion and pollution in the area.
How will it work?
Swindon Borough Council, in partnership with St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, will be introducing an experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which will be in force for 18 months. During the initial six months, parents/carers and residents will be invited to provide feedback. Using this feedback the project will be evaluated and a decision made as to whether the scheme should be made permanent, be modified or be revoked.
The ETRO will prohibit any motor vehicle without a permit or a valid exemption from entering or driving through the restricted zone when the scheme is in operation.
The scheme will operate on Mon-Thu between 8:15am – 9:00am and again between 2:45pm – 3:30pm and on Friday, 08:15am – 9:00am and 1:00pm – 1:45pm.
How will it be enforced?
The Police will have powers to enforce the new restrictions. Anyone caught driving in the restricted zone during the times when it is operational, without a valid permit or exemption can be issued with a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice. The Police have been consulted on these proposals and are actively engaged.
Parents and Carers
A section of Davenwood outside St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School as highlighted on the map will be closed to traffic in the mornings and at home time. This will create a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment for those who walk, scoot or cycle to school and will hopefully encourage more parents to leave the car at home.
For those who live further away, we ask that they park away from the school and walk the last five or ten minutes of the journey. Some suggested locations are: • Kingsdown Leisure Centre – Ermin Street. Access St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School via the gated pedestrian access on Hyde Road (Ermin Street). • Meadowcroft Community Centre Adison Road.
The street directly outside the school will not be completely traffic free as access must be maintained for residents and there will also be an exemption for emergency vehicles and blue badge holders, so it is still important to be mindful of road safety. Any vehicle moving in or out of School Street during the restricted times should do so at 5mph and have their hazard warning lights on at all times. New signage will be put in place at the entrances of the restricted zone.
Residents
We understand that it may not always be possible for residents to time their journeys in accordance with these restrictions. Therefore, if you are a resident in the section of Davenwood that will be affected, you will be entitled to two permits per household, which will allow you to drive within the restricted zone during the times of operation. Further details in relation to permits can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/SSEZ or by emailing: ssez@swindon.gov.uk If you have a blue badge then the restriction does not apply. Remember, your badge should be displayed and prominent at all times. Any vehicle moving in or out of the School Street during the restricted times should do so at 5mph and have their hazard warning lights on at all times.
