5/9/2023 

Cardiff Council's School Streets scheme is to be expanded this September, with three new locations added to the scheme.

School Streets are areas around school entrances that are closed to vehicles during peak drop-off and pick-up times and are selected as part of the scheme, if they regularly experience problems with traffic and parking during school drop off and pick up times. 

By closing the streets to general traffic for a short period in the morning and afternoon during term time, helps children to access school safely, reduces air pollution and supports families to actively travel to and from school.

The latest streets to be added to the scheme will be located in the following areas;

First piloted in January 2020, the School Street scheme now includes 19 streets, helping to reduce traffic at 22 schools across the city. Positive feedback has been received from schools, parents and local residents who have benefitted from the initiative.

Reflecting on the scheme, Bernadette Brooks, Headteacher at St Cuthbert's RC Primary School said: "Since the scheme has started at St Cuthbert's, we have noticed a significant difference in the way our school road is used by parents and visitors. It is now a safe place for children to enter and leave the school site and at key times of the day, the road area is calm and traffic free. 

"In addition, we have noticed an increase in pupils riding to school instead of being dropped off by car. Overall it has been a huge success and we are very grateful that the safety of our pupils has been prioritised."

Cabinet Member for Transport and Strategic Planning, Cllr De'Ath said: "The establishment of the School Street scheme has ensured that pupils, parents and staff can travel to school safely whilst reducing congestion, road danger and helping to improve air quality.

"The positive response from school communities and local residents has continued and the benefits to health and wellbeing by actively travelling to school has been widely recognised.

"The School Street scheme is one of many initiatives which is helping to deliver the Council's Active Travel ambitions, making Cardiff a cleaner, greener city as we respond to the ongoing issue of climate change." 

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "I am pleased that the School Streets scheme continues to grow, providing families with opportunities to travel to school safely, as they make long-lasting changes which will see benefits to both health and the environment they live in."

School Streets are supported by permanent signage and have camera enforcement during drop off and pick up times when access and parking will be restricted to resident permit holders, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

Only vehicles with valid School Street permits are permitted to enter School Streets during restricted times.

In addition to School Streets the Council has also implemented enforcement cameras at several other schools to deter parents from parking on Keep Clear markings outside school gates.

You can check road closure times, view the full list of School Streets and find out information about permits here:www.cardiff.gov.uk/schoolstreets