Creating safer, healthier, and less polluted routes to school
What is a School Street?
A School Street is a temporary traffic restriction on the roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times. These restrictions reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make it safer for children to walk, cycle, or scoot to school.
Only pedestrians, cyclists, and exempt vehicles (such as residents, blue badge holders, and emergency services) are allowed access during restricted hours.
School Streets help to:
- Improve road safety for children
- Reduce air pollution around schools
- Encourage active travel and healthier lifestyles
- Create a more pleasant environment for the community
For more information, please see the following websites:
How does it work?
During the restricted hours (school drop-off and pick-up times), signage will be displayed, and access will be limited. The restrictions typically apply Monday to Friday during school term times. All vehicles must travel at walking speed during operational times.
Enforcement may be carried out using temporary barriers managed by school staff or volunteers.
Which schools have School Streets?
Bolton Council is working with schools to introduce School Streets across the borough. Below is a list of schools within Bolton that have expressed interest in the scheme:
- St Peters Smithills Dean Primary School, Limefield Road, BL1 6LA
- St Bedes, Morris Green Lane, BL3 3LJ
- Pikes Lane Primary School, Gibraltar Street, BL3 5HU
- Blackrod Church School, Blackrod, BL6 5DE
- The Gates Primary School, Bristle Hall Way, Westhoughton, BL5 3QA
To check if your child's school is participating or to express interest in joining the scheme, please email us at highways@bolton.gov.uk.
Apply for a School Street
If your school is interested in becoming part of the scheme, we can provide guidance and support. Schools, parents, and local communities are encouraged to work together to implement these initiatives.
As part of our support and funding, we can work with schools to create School Streets exemption permits or badges to be displayed in vehicle windscreens for approved exemptions.
To register interest or find out more, please email us at highways@bolton.gov.uk.