School drop-off and pick-up road closures
A school street is a timed road closure outside or next to a school at drop-off and pick-up times. The school street is closed to most vehicles, with exemptions made for residents and people with accessibility needs.
Many schools experience heavy congestion outside their gates during pick-up and drop-off times. Unfortunately, this can increase road danger for children and worsen air pollution outside the school gates. School streets have been created in many parts of the UK to tackle this problem. There are now over 600 school streets nationally.
How to sign up for a school street
Interested schools should email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to find out more about whether a school street could be appropriate for their school.
Key reasons for school streets
Safer environment
School streets significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve the air quality around school premises, providing a safer environment for pupils and parents during peak drop-off and pick-up hours.
Pedestrian priority
School streets allow pupils to cross the road more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a smoother flow of foot traffic around the school.
Active travel
School streets encourage children to walk, scoot and cycle to school.
Eligibility
We evaluate the eligibility of schools for a school street on a case-by-case basis. A school street is usually trialled for a few months, after which we consider whether to make the school street permanent.