A pilot scheme could make travelling to school safer and easier for children in a Wrexham village.
Wrexham Council, in partnership with Sustrans Cymru and Letman Associates, will be launching a three-week trial at Holt Community Primary School later this month.
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.
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 speeding, inadequate pedestrian crossings, narrow pavements, poor visibility at junctions, and inconsiderate 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 primary 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 exact dates of the trial in Holt are yet to be confirmed, but an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order will be published, and local residents, parents and pupils are being kept informed.
