Another Bolton primary school is set to join the growing number that are making it safer and easier for children to walk, bike or wheel to school.
The Ferns Primary Academy on Plodder Lane will start operating Schools Streets from Monday, September 14.
It means that on days when the school is open, access to Westend Street 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 street, with school staff and trained volunteers on hand to let the necessary vehicles through.
Controlled access will operate in the morning from 8:20am to 9:00am, and in the afternoon from 2:30pm to 3:15pm.
This latest School Streets project brings the total operating in Bolton to five, with four starting earlier this year.
More widely, the number of Schools Streets across Greater Manchester has reached over 40, while London has over 700.
In Bolton, School Streets are in place at:
- Kearsley West Primary School
- St. Bedes Primary Academy
- Sharples Primary School
- The Gates Primary School
- The Ferns Primary School
Before bringing in School Streets the schools trialled them for a day, with feedback from parents, residents and children up to 90 per cent positive.
Among the most common reasons were better safety for the children and a calmer environment during school opening time.
Across the UK, travelling to and from school is the most dangerous time of day for road accidents involving children, with almost three-quarters of accidents happening between 8am and 9am and 3pm and 7pm.
Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“It’s encouraging to see that the success of School Streets across the UK is now being seen in Bolton too.
“Kids love getting to school and back home under their own steam, and of course it’s vital that we keep them safe while they are doing it thanks to School Streets.”
For more information about School Streets in Bolton, visit www.bolton.gov.uk/road-safety/school-streets