Bridlington Traffic Restrictions Reduce School Gate Traffic

Thursday, 14 September 2023 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Experimental parking restrictions around a Bridlington School are making a difference to traffic levels and safety.

That's the view of Quay academy's Head Teacher who says children feel safer as a result of the scheme.

A Traffic restriction order effectively closes the road outside the school during drop off and pick up times.

It's one of six schools in the east riding which are piloting the "School Streets Scheme"

East Riding Council Road Safety Officer - Steve Wigley - says data shows the experiment is having an impact.

The 18 month experiment to implement traffic restrictions on Oxford Street and Blenheim Roads outside Bridlington's Quay Academy at school drop off and pick up times started last October.

East Riding Councillors have been told that 11 months into the trial there has been a clear drop in vehicle numbers and an increase in students using bikes to get to school.

A report presented to councillors this week contained a Statement from Quay Academy head teacher saying:

“The scheme has been a success at Quay and the traffic has been reduced considerably. Most parents think that the scheme is a great idea and feel like their children are safer on their way to and from home."

Humberside Police have also backed the scheme saying:

“The scheme has proved popular with families and nearby residents and has been successful in helping children enjoy safer and more active journeys to school.

“Since its launch in November 2022, families have experienced less traffic and better road safety on streets near to the school. More children have walked, cycled, or scooted to school and residents have welcomed the scheme.”

“Traffic counts show a reduction in vehicles using Lime Tree Lane and Highfield Crescent (Bilton) at the times of day when the School Streets scheme is in operation – including during bad weather.”

“There have also been significant increases in the number of people walking and riding bikes during the same times and the Park & Stride at the village hall is well used by those who need to travel in a vehicle. The newly installed bike shed at the school is bursting with alternative methods of transport and will require an extension.”

East Riding Council Road Safety Officer - Steve Wigley - says the "School Street Safety" programme is being tried at six East Yorkshire Schools.

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) legally restricts traffic from driving on effected street(s) around a school. This creates a ‘School Street zone’ at the beginning and end of the school day. Vehicles are not allowed to enter, exit or travel along the street(s) during these times unless they have a permit, display a Blue Badge or are exempt.

The zone is enforced by the Police, and drivers may get a fixed penalty if they drive on a School Street during restricted times.

East Riding Council says that based on comparative travel data collated from all the schools, there has been a 40.9% overall reduction in car usage, with a 65.2% increase in park and stride journeys and sizeable increases across active travel modes, including cycling and scooting.

The council says that the schemes which are currently fully adopted continue to see a generally high level of compliance, with limited enforcement required. As a result of this success, the Council aims to introduce further School Streets schemes in the future where appropriate.