A pilot scheme could make travelling to school safer and easier for children in a busy part of Wrexham.
Wrexham Council, in partnership with Letman Associates, will be launching a four-week trial at Victoria Community Primary School later this month. This is in response to numerous parking and traffic issues outside the school, class work with pupils, surveys with parents and guardians as well as conversations on doorsteps.
The trial will see timed traffic restrictions introduced to limit the number of vehicles driving and parking near the school at the start of the day, and at home-time. There will also be a trial of a one-way system on Poyser Street west (between Hampden Road and Victoria Road) which will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Diversion signage will be in place.
This will be the first ‘School Streets’ scheme in Wrexham, and it’s being funded by the Welsh Government’s Safe Routes in Communities fund.
Councillor Terry Evans, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member with responsibility for road safety, said: “Over the past few months, we’ve been listening to pupils, parents and residents’ about how we can improve the journey to school.
“Key concerns include heavy congestion, as well as inconsiderate and pavement parking.
“The school is already working hard to reduce traffic at the gates by encouraging walking, scooting and cycling – so it’s the perfect place to pilot a School Streets scheme.”
Councillor Phil, Wynn, Lead Member for education added: “We want to make the school gates a safer and healthier place for children, and if the pilot is a success, it could pave the way for similar trials at other schools in Wrexham.
“Over the past couple of years, School Streets have been introduced in other parts of the UK with some success.
“Traffic restrictions only come into effect during key times of the day, so any disruption to motorists is minimised, and the children are safer.”
The trial at Poyser Street outside the school will begin on Monday, September 29, and local residents, parents and pupils are being kept informed and encouraged to test different ways to travel to school and beyond.
