Pupils get ready for safer and healthier school journeys

On Friday, 15 July, a School Street scheme will launch at Grange First School to help reduce traffic, improve road safety and cut pollution outside the school.

It’s the second School Street to launch in the city, with children at Hotspur Primary School, in Heaton, already benefiting from safer and healthier school journeys.

Cllr Jane Byrne, Cabinet member for connected city at Newcastle City Council, said: “Traffic and congestion at school drop off and pick up times is something that many children, families, schools and residents are concerned about so it’s great to see a second School Street scheme ready to launch in Newcastle.

“The school run can be a busy part of the day for parents and carers but finding those extra minutes to walk, scoot or cycle for all or part of the journey will make a big difference in terms of children’s safety, their health and the environment.

“We’ve seen really positive feedback regarding the School Street at Hotspur Primary School so far and I hope the scheme will prove just as popular at Grange First School.”

Newcastle City Council is working with schools and with Sustrans, the charity that promotes walking and cycling, to introduce School Street schemes across the city.

The schemes mean that roads outside schools have traffic restrictions on school days during drop off and pick up times.

At Grange School the restrictions will be in place on Norham Road between 8am and 9.30am on school day mornings and between 2.30pm and 4pm on school day afternoons.

Residents and some other drivers, including blue badge holders, will still have access to the street but other traffic will have to use alternative routes during these times of day.

Children, parents and carers will be encouraged to walk, scoot and cycle to school, or to park further away and walk the rest of the journey.

Letters have been sent to parents and carers and to local residents and businesses to make them aware of the scheme.

People will be invited to provide comments and feedback on the scheme during the first six months. Following this feedback and views will be looked at to determine whether any changes are needed.

For more information about School Streets or to comment on a scheme visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/schoolstreets