Two more Bolton primary schools are set to introduce School Streets, joining the growing list that are aiming to make it safer for children to walk, bike or wheel to school.
Sharples Primary will start operating Schools Streets from Monday, June 8, while The Gates Primary will bring them in starting Tuesday, June 16.
On days when the schools are open, it means that access to some nearby streets will be controlled at school drop off and pick up times.
Residents, workers, school staff and emergency responders will still be able to get in and out of the streets, with school staff and trained volunteers on hand to let the necessary vehicles through.
Hugh Lupus Street at Sharples Primary will have controlled access in the mornings only, between 8:30am and 9am, Monday to Friday during term time.
At the Gates Primary, Bristle Hall Way will be affected 8:30am to 9am and 3pm to 3:30pm.
Both schools successfully tried out School Streets earlier in the year to see if they would be practical.
Feedback from parents, residents and children after the trials was up to 90 per cent positive for reasons including better safety for the children and a calmer environment during school opening time.
With almost three-quarters of road accidents involving children happening between 8am and 9am and 3pm and 7pm, travelling to and from school is the most dangerous time of day.
Schools Streets have been adopted all over Greater Manchester with over 50 now in place, while London has over 700.
Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“It’s never too early for children to enjoy being active and getting to and from school under their own steam is fun way to do it.
“What makes School Streets great is that they help us keep our youngsters safe along the way.”
For more information about the School Streets project in Bolton, people should visit www.bolton.gov.uk/road-safety/school-streets