School streets

How do I know if a school street is in place?

Signage informs motorists about the timing of closures.  Traffic control method differ for each scheme and may include any of the following:

• Temporary barriers.
• Trained volunteers.
• Automatic Number Place Recognition (ANPR) cameras

Some vehicles (e.g. emergency vehicles) are automatically exempt from the scheme, while others (e.g. residents and blue badge holders) can apply for exemption.

Where are the current school streets?

Please see the map below of the area around St Adrians Close, Cox Green.

What are the operating hours for school streets?

School Street operating times are specific to the school that it serves and vary according to the schools start and end times.  They generally operate for between 30 to 60 minutes during the morning and afternoon peak times.

School Street schemes only operate during term time.  Term dates are specific to each school and can be viewed on that school’s website.

During school holidays and half term breaks, School Streets restrictions will not apply.

If ANPR cameras are enforcing a School Street the cameras will be inactive outside the term times.  However, signs may remain in place and visible in some locations.  It is not a statutory requirement to close them.

How does the Council consult residents and local businesses about a School Street?

We normally carry out engagement and consultation before introducing a School Street and will use feedback from the local and school community to reach the best design for the scheme.

Feedback will be sought before and during a new School Street, along with monitoring data and will be used to inform decisions on whether to make the School Street permanent.

How will parents, carers and children with limited mobility be affected by the School Street?

The School Street will make it easier and safer for pupils, parents and carers to access the school by reducing the vehicles that are allowed to travel along the street.  

This reduces potential conflict between pedestrians, cyclist and small wheels (push scooters, wheelchairs, push chairs) with vehicles.  The reduced traffic along the street will make it easier and safer for those with reduced mobility to walk or wheel.

Those holding a valid blue badge will not automatically receive an exemption for the street, however if you feel that there is an exceptional need to drive into the school then you must apply for a digital permit via the online form.  

It is important to note that unless there is an evidenced need for you to drive along the street, a digital permit will not be given.  

Strict restrictions are enforced to ensure that the safety of the street is maintained.

How will the School Street be enforced?

How the scheme is enforced will depend on the design of the School Street.  Vehicles may be restricted using physical barriers such as retractable barriers, initially managed by volunteers.

Some School Streets have ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras.  In these cases, vehicles entering the School Street during operational hours without having applied for a digital permit (exemption) will receive a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice).
Some schemes may be managed by signs only.

How will visitors know about the School Street?

Department for Transport regulation signage, including advanced warnings, where appropriate, inform all drivers that they are approaching a School Street.

We ask the school and anyone within the School Street to tell their visitors about the restrictions when visits are being planned. Visitors can park on surrounding roads outside the closure or, in the case of ANPR camera enforced School Streets, they can apply for exemption, where eligible.