CHILDREN have been taking advantage of the quieter street outside their primary school to wheel or walk to lessons.
South Gloucestershire Council brought in an experimental traffic regulation order in the summer to create a ‘School Street’ outside Frenchay Primary School.
Motor vehicles are banned from driving through Alexander Road and Belsey Road, east of Caseley Crescent, between 8.20am and 9.05am, and between 3pm and 4pm on school days unless they have a permit.
The zone is being enforced using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) traffic cameras, with signs to warn drivers on Old Gloucester Road, Beckspool Road, Begbrook Park, Frenchay Park Road and Bristol Road.
Drivers who enter it are issued with a £70 penalty charge notice (PCN) by the council.
So far 79 have been sent out – but most have been cancelled because the cars involved had valid permits.
Nine motorists have paid the charge so far, with another four outstanding as the Voice went to print.
Deputy head teacher Ross Fossard said the school has seen a reduction in traffic and an increase in walking, scooting and cycling since the School Streets order came into force.
To encourage families to embrace active travel for health and the environment, the school has organised two cycling events in the first term back.
In September, it held a ‘Bling Your Bike’ event, encouraging pupils to decorate their bikes, scooters or even shoes for the school run.
Mr Fossard said: “Pupils certainly rose to the challenge, arriving in a dazzling display of colour, creativity and sparkle.
“From streamers and ribbons to imaginative designs and eye-catching decorations, the effort and enthusiasm on show were fantastic.
“Every child who took part received a prize, while three lucky winners took home special prize bags for the most impressive decorations.”
Year 5 pupils have been given Bikeability training, working with qualified instructors to develop the skills and confidence to ride safely and responsibly, including learning how to cycle on roads and navigate real-life traffic situations.
Mr Fossard said: “The sessions were enjoyed by all, with pupils gaining valuable experience, improving their confidence and developing a lifelong skill that will help them stay active and travel safely.”
The School Street consultation runs until January 4 next year and can be found online at tinyurl.com/yt2an8t5.
The experimental order and ANPR cameras will remain in place until a decision is made about whether to make restrictions permanent, which will happen by the end of next year.